Safety should be a priority when you drive on the freeway. To help our readers become safer drivers on the freeway, we have created a shortlist of the most important safety tips to consider.
Drive Defensively
Defensive driving is one of the best techniques you can use while on the road because you can more easily anticipate other drivers’ mistakes. Many drivers may not slow down to let you merge onto the freeway, or will not allow you to change lanes, even if you are putting your signal light on. These are just some examples of the problems you can avoid using defensive driving. Instead of expecting other drivers to perform certain actions, you are constantly on the lookout and will be able to act accordingly, even if they are in the wrong. It is best to be safe than sorry, and no one likes getting in an accident. Avoiding wreckless drivers, is always a good strategy.
Stay Calm
Safemotorist reports that 66% of traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive driving. Road rage is a real issue! It is better to overlook another driver’s mistake or negligent behavior. If you ever feel stressed by another driver, take a deep breath and let it go. If you allow yourself to become agitated by drivers, you can also begin to drive dangerously due to your emotional state.
Keep Your Speed in Check
Speeding is one of the leading causes of fatal crashes on the freeway. No matter what, always take a look at your speedometer, even if you have cruise control activated. Cars set to cruise control can accelerate considerably when going down inclines. Being responsible for your speed is one of the best strategies to avoid problems on the road. It only takes a split second to lose control of your vehicle at high speeds and endanger yourself and others.
Maintain a Safe Driving Distance From Cars Around You
Getting too close to the car in front could lead to life-threatening accidents for you and the drivers around you. If the person ahead brakes abruptly, you may not have enough space or reaction-time to avoid rear-ending the drivers in front of you. Make sure to leave enough buffer room, especially on freeways where speeds are higher. Remember the golden rule of responsible driving is to abide by the “3-Second Rule.” Being mindful of the car in front of you and leaving enough room to stop by 3seconds is always recommended.
Use the Left Lane for Passing.
Only use the left lane if you have the intention of passing. If you stay in the left lane, it may cause other drivers to drive dangerously to move and try to pass you on the right. Be considerate of other drivers and use the left lane as intended. If you see drivers in your rear-view mirror gain on your vehicle considerably, it is always best to yield to them. Even if you think they are driving too fast, maintaining the speed limit in the fast lane and not yielding to drivers is a recipe for disaster.
Build Up Your Speed Appropriately on the Acceleration Ramp
Accelerate your vehicle to the appropriate freeway speed to merge onto a freeway safely. If your speed is too low, it may cause other drivers to small on their brakes in order to avoid you. Building enough speed prevents unnecessary traffic movements and even accidents. Conversely, speeding too quickly and merging into traffic without letting drivers onto the freeway who were in front of you can also cause dangerous accidents. You also want to make sure you aren’t merging onto the freeway prematurely before the solid line has become a broken line. The guides are there to inform drivers where you are to accelerate, and where you are to merge.
Rest Whenever Necessary
If you have a long trip, the monotony of driving on a freeway does not help, and you will get tired, and . Turning on the music, rolling down the window are not effective strategies to keep you alert or awake. When you are tired enough, it is easy to fall asleep without being in control of when or where you doze off. Make sure you never drive while dozing off. If you are driving in that state, you are already too tired and should stop driving as soon as possible. If you ever feel tired, pull over to a safe location and allow yourself to rest before getting back on the road.
