Driving on the Highway: Essential Tips for Safe and Confident Travel
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According to the National Safety Council (NSC), there were 12.8 million automobile accidents in the U.S. in 2022, or over 35,000 per day. The cost of these accidents, from medical bills to car damage, amounted to a staggering $481.2 billion. Car accidents are one of the leading causes of preventable death. Fortunately, drivers can prevent many auto accidents by following some practical steps. Whether you're driving on the highway for the first time or an experienced driver, here are some safety tips to help keep you safe.
Understanding Highway Driving Basics
Highways can be a quick way to reach your destination. However, these high-speed multi-lane roads have their own set of challenges. Although there are fewer accidents on highways than local roads, accidents on highways are typically more deadly due to their high speed.
Importance of Highway Driving Skills
Highway driving differs from driving on local roads because freeways are built to handle more traffic at high speeds. As a result, highway driving requires special skills. To be a safe driver, you must pay attention to the road, avoid distractions, and use good judgment.
Being a skilled driver could save you money. Insurance companies offer lower rates to safer drivers, leading to cheaper auto insurance.
The Structure of Highways
Highways are usually wide, have high speed limits, and are the fastest way to travel between cities. The federal or state department of transportation often designates them with a route number. Highways typically do not have stoplights and use entrance and exit ramps for ease of access.
Lane Designations: Left, Right, and Center Lanes
Highways usually have multiple lanes for the following purposes:
- The right lane is for cars entering or exiting and for slower traffic.
- The center lane is for steady driving. Drivers should spend most of their time in the center lane.
- The left lane is for passing slower cars or turning left.
Entrance Ramps and Acceleration Lanes
An entrance ramp allows drivers to enter a highway. An acceleration lane is a short lane directly following the entrance ramp where drivers increase their speed to match that of highway traffic and merge smoothly.
Exit Ramps and Exit Lanes
An exit ramp is a short section allowing vehicles to exit a highway. An exit lane is one that drivers use before reaching the exit ramp.
Safe Highway Driving Tips
Here are some tips to make your highway driving experience safer.
Speed Limits and Safe Speeds
The typical speed limit ranges from 50 mph to 85 mph. If you go over these posted speed limits, you're not just putting yourself and others at risk, but you could also get ticketed and fined. In 2022, speeding played a part in 29% of all traffic-related deaths.
Maintaining the speed limit gives you enough time to react to unexpected situations. Continuously adjust your speed based on factors such as the weather, amount of traffic, and road conditions.
Merging onto the Highway
Knowing how and when to merge is as important as how to drive on the interstate. On-ramps give you time to increase your speed to match highway traffic. You should only merge once the solid white line ends. Traffic on the highway has the right of way. Some on-ramps have traffic signals to control the flow of traffic.
Always look for a safe gap in the traffic to merge, leaving two seconds between the front car and two seconds between the back car. Use your turn signal and adjust your speed to fit in the gap. As you merge, remember to check your mirrors and over your shoulder for blind spots.
Maintaining a Safe Following Distance
Keeping enough space between your car and the one ahead is vital to avoid accidents. Use the "three-second rule" to maintain a safe distance and give you enough time to react.
Choose a fixed point ahead to calculate this distance, like a sign or tree. When the vehicle in front passes that point, count the seconds until you reach the same spot. If you reach it in less than three seconds, increase the distance.
Understanding Lane Changes
Before moving to another lane, ensure the lane is clear. Use your turn signal early enough to notify other drivers and to avoid lane-change conflicts. Surprising other drivers by changing lanes too quickly can cause accidents.
Using Turn Signals Effectively
Always use your turn signals at least five seconds before switching lanes or at least 900 feet before changing lanes or exiting on the highway. Signaling well in advance lets drivers know your intentions, reduces confusion, and allows drivers to adjust accordingly.
Common Highway Hazards
There are many hazards on highways, so it is vital to be vigilant, especially if driving on the most dangerous highways in the U.S. Risks involved with driving on the highway include potholes, animals, adverse weather, and road debris.
Tips for Long-Distance Travel
These tips can keep you safe if you go on a long car trip.
- Plan your route. Use a GPS or a navigation app to find rest stops and gas stations.
- Make sure your car is in good shape so it's less likely to break down.
- Plan to stop every two hours to stretch your legs, drink water, and rest.
Stay Protected While Driving
Ensuring your safety on highways goes beyond driving techniques. Having the right car insurance is crucial in protecting yourself and your vehicle. Review your current insurance policy to see if it meets your needs and offers adequate coverage. If you're looking for options, EverQuote provides a great platform to compare quotes from top providers.