Freeway driving can be scary for both new and seasoned drivers. Drivers and traffic can be unpredictable, but with the proper guidance and defensive driving tactics, they can be easier to navigate around. To ease your nerves, we at Briggle & Polan, PLLC are here to offer you some tips on how to drive safely on the highway.
#1 - Follow the Speed Limit
It can be tempting to drive over the speed limit when there aren't too many people on the road. However, staying within the speed limit can lessen your chance of getting into an accident, especially if there's a slow driver or hazard in the way. According to the National Safety Council, speeding was a factor in 26% of all traffic fatalities in 2019.
#2 - Make Proper Lane Changes
A healthy habit to adopt while driving is to always use your blinker, even if the intention to turn is obvious. Also, try to keep adequate distance between your car and the one in front of you as you switch lanes. Do not make quick movements into the next lane, as you want to be as cautious as possible while changing lanes.
#3 - Leave Room
Leaving room in front of your car while driving on an open freeway is one of the safest things you can do as a driver. When you leave space available in front of you, you not only leave room for another car to merge into the lane, but you also have enough space to react in case the car in front of you hits its brakes.
Use the three-second following rule to give yourself time to react if a dangerous situation happens. When the car in front of you passes a fixed object, like a sign or a light pole, see how long it takes for you to pass that same object. If it takes you three seconds to pass the object, you have enough space to react in case of an emergency.
#4 - Get Rid of Distractions
Whether you're new to the road or not, there are many things inside a person's vehicle that can distract a driver. Before you get on the road, make sure to put your phone on silent, have the radio already tuned to the station of your choice, and have your directions prepared, so you don't have to mess with them while driving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reading or sending a text takes the driver's eyes off the road for roughly five seconds. Although five seconds may not seem like a lot, you'd be surprised how far down the highway you can get while traveling 60 miles per hour.
#5 - Pay Attention to Your Surroundings
As stated, both drivers and traffic can be unpredictable. With so many cars around you, a lot can happen in the span of a few seconds. Rather than just focusing on the vehicle in front of you, be sure to pay attention to the road entirely.
Things to look out for are potential hazards, sudden brake lights, and speeding cars. It’s also a good idea to get in the habit of checking all mirrors frequently.
How We Can Help
If you were injured in a car accident due to the negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced personal injury attorneys at Briggle & Polan, PLLC are here to assist you 24/7 to make the recovery process as easy as possible.
Contact our office today at (512) 400-3278 or visit our website to fill out a form for a free consultation.
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