Depending on where you live, driving on the highway can be an overwhelming experience. With traffic build-ups, lane changes, and differing speeds, it can feel like you’re in a real life game of Tetris.
For this reason, it is important to have a thorough knowledge of highway driving and safety. Remember, it’s not just about what you do on the road, you also have to stay mindful of others. The main goal is to keep all drivers safe on major highways and interstates across the nation.
Read on to gain important highway driving safety tips — including noteworthy statistics regarding highway safety.
Understanding the basic rules of highway driving
A highway or interstate is what connects drivers to other cities. Essentially, they are the backbone of travel, giving drivers easy access to their next destination. They make our lives more efficient. They even make taking a road trip more enjoyable. Less time in the car means more time to enjoy vacation.
With that said, highway driving requires added alertness. For confident drivers, embracing a highway is no big deal. But for those who fear the uncertainty that highway driving brings, it can be a little more frightening.
In the U.S., motor vehicle crashes are on the rise. So much so that not even the pandemic has stopped the rising numbers. The worst part, the increase is likely caused by speeding, which leads us to our first point of highway driving safety tips.
Speed limits aren’t a suggestion
As drivers enter a highway, the speed limit increases rapidly. Don’t let this newfound freedom get to your head. The highway speed limits are set to keep driving safe and consistent.
When drivers take their own liberties and go beyond the set speed limit in your state, you ultimately are putting yourself and other drivers at risk.
Basically, the need for speed is not worth it. Reduce your road rage to decrease your chance of reckless driving. After all, it’s the only way to keep highway driving safe.
Safe driving distance
Traffic can build up in a matter of seconds. Therefore, drivers must maintain a safe driving distance from the vehicle in front of them at all times. Too many accidents occur from drivers stopping short and creating a pile up behind them. Most times, these types of accidents can be avoided with spacial awareness.
According to the NHTSA, allow about 3 to 4 seconds between you and other motorists. This amount of time should prevent drivers from having to slam on their brakes. Also, those 3 to 4 seconds could prevent a collision.
Improve your visibility
Visibility is crucial while driving on a highway, especially at night. When you drive a vehicle with poor visibility, you are putting yourself and other drivers at risk. Keep things safe and don’t let your headlights be an overlooked issue.
Whether you need to defog your headlamps or purchase new ones, it is an easy task that is worth prioritizing.
Stray away from distracted driving
Driving on the highway is not the time to check your Twitter feed or chow down on your favorite lunch. With elevated speeds, your focus needs to be at an all time high, only narrowed on the road ahead.
Prevent distracted driving by turning off phone notifications while driving. Or even, keep your belongings in a place you can’t reach. Whatever you have to do to prevent yourself from becoming a distracted driver on the highway.
Why semi-truck awareness is necessary for highway driving
A major part of driving on the highway is sharing the road with semi-trucks. These heavy-duty lorries account for 10% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes. Their size and grandeur has the ability to cause serious damage to a vehicle if an accident were to occur.
Also, keep in mind that reckless driving around semis could lead to loss of control. Many semi-truck drivers work long hours and struggle to maintain alertness at all times. Subsequently, if you were to cut off a commercial semi-truck with little notice, this could result in them slamming on their brakes.
VIDEO: Get a clue about the danger of cutting off semis! https://t.co/H6VBVFHYoH
— U.S. Truck Drivers (@TruckDriversUSA) April 24, 2021
Why you should take highway driving seriously
Safety is important at all times, although, highway driving requires extra precaution. With fast speeds and multi-lanes, the possibility of something going wrong is more likely. Hence, drivers must stay alert and cautious of other drivers to prevent fatal accidents or injuries from further increasing.
As statistics show, speeding and distracted driving is causing highway safety to be a greater risk now more than years prior. There is only so much car safety features can do to keep you protected, drivers must also remain focused.
It’s imperative for drivers to take this matter seriously, and help keep our highways safe. Keep these highway driving safety tips in mind the next time you’re on the highway.