Final answer:
Lane changes on the interstate are often needed due to speeding vehicles, increased traffic from nearby developments, or to avoid areas with high accident rates. Changing lanes may also be dictated by road construction and changes in traffic patterns.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lane changes on the interstate may be necessary for several reasons. When vehicles speed through an intersection without regard to the posted limit, a lane change might be required to prevent a collision or to move out of the way of speeding vehicles. Additionally, with increased traffic due to nearby businesses, manufacturing plants, or special events such as football games, changing lanes may be required to navigate congested areas or to follow rerouted traffic patterns.
Furthermore, with respect to safety, when the number of accidents at an intersection increases to an unacceptable level, lane changes can be a precautionary tactic for drivers trying to avoid potential hazards. External factors like construction on local roads, state highways, or interstate systems can also necessitate lane changes to adhere to changed traffic patterns or to merge into the correct lane for detours or exit ramps.