Highway Driving
As over 54 million Americans take to the road this holiday season, we all know it can be intimidating, stressful, yet driving on the highway is even tougher! Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the busiest times for road trips, as you can see nearly 4x the amount of traffic. Planning routes and commuting times will help with the stress of holiday traffic. There are never too many precautions you can take when it comes to your safety when driving. Always be sure to buckle your seat belt and drive the speed limit.
Here at DUI Defense, we want to make sure you know all the best tips for staying as safe as possible while driving on the highway.
Here are a few we’ve compiled in general about driving:
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Maintain a Safe Following Distance
Always leave two full car’s distance between you and another vehicle when driving. It’s best to use the “3 seconds” space rule if driving at higher speeds. The faster you are traveling, the greater the distance of “3 seconds” will be. If you are ever in a situation where you feel someone is purposely driving too close to you, don’t feel like you need to speed up and drive faster. Instead, try to switch lanes or pull over and let them pass you. The last thing you would want is to have to slam on your brakes and have their car crash into you causing severe injuries and potentially death
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Be Cautious of Semi Trucks
Semi trucks are nearly impossible to miss on the road due to their significant presence and size. Standard sized cars and motorcycles are not easy for semi trucks to see, especially when in their blind spots. With over 3.2 million semi-truck drivers in the U.S, the chances of encountering one are high. The most important thing when driving by a semi truck is to give them as much space as possible. Be aware that there is a good chance they don’t see you if you are driving right next to them. Lastly, be mindful that many of these drivers have been driving on the road for hours. There is a high chance they could be tired or fatigued, it’s best to use caution.
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Stay In The Right Lane
On a highway, the left lane is for passing other vehicles while the middle and right lanes are for driving at constant speeds. It is recommended when driving below the speed limit, to stay in the right lane. Drivers will always look at the middle or left lanes as passing zones. As a result, it’s best to utilize the lanes as specifically intended.
Drive Safe on the Highway
There are endless tips and advice on driving on the highway the safest. The most essential rule is to be sober, alert, and aware when operating a vehicle. If you ever feel like someone is not driving safe on the road and being a hazard to yourself or others, don’t hesitate to call 911. It is better to be reliable than sorry, and your well-being is the most important thing to us.