Highway driving 101

Understanding highway lanes

Depending on where you’re driving, a highway could have two lanes, or more than a dozen. It’s important to understand which lanes are designed for specific purposes. On multi-lane roads, the right lane is generally reserved for slower moving traffic and vehicles entering or exiting the roadway, according to DriversEd.com. The left lane is generally for faster moving traffic to pass or for left turns or exits. Additionally, some roadways may have high-occupancy vehicle lanes (HOV) or carpool lanes designed for vehicles with many passengers.

Importance of speed limits

Highway speed limits can range from 50 mph (in the District of Columbia) to 85 mph (in Texas), according to Road and Track. Speeding endangers yourself, and other road users. Remember, adjust your speed when driving through inclement weather like ice, rain or snow, as well as in construction zones and bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Accessing and exiting highways

With the right tips and a little practice, entering or exiting the highway doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience. When you’re preparing to merge onto the highway, DriversEd.com says you should take advantage of the acceleration lane to get your speed up to the vehicles around you. While you’re doing this, take glances to find an opening between vehicles for you to merge. Don’t forget to use your blinker to indicate your intention to merge; this can help prevent other drivers from being surprised, and someone may move over or adjust their speed to allow you to merge.

When you’re getting ready to leave the highway, it’s important to think ahead, explains DriversEd.com. Scan for signs that let you know how far away your exit is and the lane or lanes you need to be in. Try to switch early to avoid a last-minute merge. When the time comes to exit, use the deceleration lane to reduce your speed. If you are about to miss your exit and it’s not safe to get over, continue driving to the next one instead.

Selecting the best route

Trying to find the best route depends on your goals. Are you simply looking to get to your destination as quickly as possible? Are you looking to avoid tolls or make certain stops along the way? Once you’ve decided what would make a successful trip, you can start plotting the best route with your GPS or with a map.

Estimating travel time

While many navigation apps or systems may allow you to get an estimated travel time for a scheduled drive at certain times, things can always change. Poor weather conditions, traffic, accidents and road closures can all impact how long it actually takes. So, if you’re trying to make an important meeting or deadline, make sure to give yourself ample time in case you run into delays.

Checking traffic and weather conditions

Before embarking on your drive, it’s always a good idea to double-check the conditions along your route. For example, if there’s a major wreck, traffic could be stuck at a standstill, and finding alternate roads could be a better option. Or you could delay your trip until traffic clears, assuming you have the flexibility to do so. Additionally, keep an eye on the weather. If you can avoid driving through wintry conditions or heavy thunderstorms, that could be a safer option.

Ensuring optimal vehicle performance

While you probably always want your vehicle to perform well, it might be particularly important if you’re hitting the highway for a long journey. Before you embark on any road trip, you should consider the following:

• Check the battery
• Inspect belts and hoses
• Top off fluids and replace filters
• Verify the lights and other electric equipment are functioning properly
• Check the brakes
• Inspect the tires

Loading and distributing cargo

Before you pack up your car and hit the highway for a long trip, make sure you’re packing properly. First, the National Traffic Safety Institute (NTSI) notes that you should be aware of your vehicle’s maximum load capacity. Too much weight can hurt handling, braking and fuel efficiency. When you start to put items in your car, the NTSI notes you should put heavier items on the bottom and try to distribute weight evenly around the car so nothing is unbalanced. Additionally, you should pack in a manner where visibility isn’t obstructed and be careful to secure items that could move when accelerating, turning or braking.

Fuel considerations

Before you get in the car and drive, it’s wise to consider the cost of fuel and your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. For example, if you’re hitting the highway for a 500-mile road trip, choosing the most fuel-efficient vehicle in your household could save you a lot of gas money. Additionally, following the maintenance tips above, like properly inflating tires and avoiding overpacking by only bringing what you need, can help improve fuel economy.

Maintaining safe following distance

Nobody likes being tailgated and, on top of that, it's risky. If the driver in front of you has to come to a quick stop, following too closely could have dangerous consequences. Instead, maintain a safe following distance from the car ahead of you. Pennsylvania’s Online Driver’s Manual suggests a 4-second following distance as a starting point, and that you can consider increasing the space between your car and the vehicle you’re trailing in certain situations, like poor visibility or weather conditions.

Managing blind spots

With so many cars traveling in lots of lanes at such a high speed, being aware of blind spots is very important when driving on the highway. A good view from the driver's seat may help ensure your safety. You can take proactive steps, like keeping your mirrors properly adjusted, to help you see other drivers. The National Safety Council recommends consistently checking your mirrors and glancing over your shoulder before changing lanes or merging. Additionally, you want to make sure you’re visible to other drivers, according to the Springfield Police Department. You can help other drivers see you by using your headlights when necessary and adjusting your vehicle’s position relative to other cars.

Importance of seat belts and airbags

Wearing a seat belt and having functioning airbags are crucial for safety. These simple devices can literally be the difference between life and death in a crash. In fact, the NHTSA notes that frontal airbags saved more than 50,000 lives from 1987-2017, and seat belts saved nearly 15,000 lives in 2017 alone.

Avoid distracted driving

Safe driving starts with you, so don't get distracted by things like your phone or eating food. Instead, give the highway your undivided attention. Distracted driving comes in three forms according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

• Cognitive: Things that take your mind off driving
• Visual: Distractions that cause you to look away from the road
• Manual: Tasks that cause you to remove your hands from the wheel

The CDC notes that distracted driving leads to approximately 3,000 deaths annually and many more injuries, so it’s important to pay close attention to the road when driving at high speeds.

Sharing the road with semis

When sharing highways with large trucks, be sure to give plenty of room when passing and merging in front of them and use your blinker. According to Women in Trucking (WIT), look for the big side mirrors on a truck's door, and remember if you cannot see the trucker, they likely cannot see you. Cutting off a semi-truck can cause the trucker to have to brake suddenly, which may cause them to lose control.

Navigating complex interchanges

There are many different types of interchanges — cloverleaf, diamond, trumpet and more — and knowing how to navigate them is crucial for safety. The Federal Highway Administration cites numerous studies and examples of how the complexity around interchanges leads to an increased number of crashes compared to any other freeway location.

As discussed above, choosing a route and being familiar with it is key, particularly when you must navigate an interchange. If you know you’re about to exit the freeway, DriversEd.com notes you should look for signs that indicate how far away your exit is and which lane (or lanes depending on the size of the road) you need to be in. By being aware of when you’re approaching an exit or interchange, you can allow for extra time to find a safe window to change lanes (if necessary).

DriversEd.com explains that if it’s too late to safely change lanes and you miss your exit, just continue driving until you can take another exit and turn around or your GPS reroutes you. It’s better to be safe than to reverse or swerve through traffic at high speeds on a highway.

Overtaking safely

When you’re attempting to pass another vehicle, it’s important to do so carefully. Before going around another vehicle, According to DriversEd.com, you should scan for any potential hazards, check your blind spots and make sure there aren’t any oncoming vehicles in the passing lane. You should indicate your intention to switch lanes, and when it’s safe to do so, merge into the other lane and accelerate by the vehicle you’re passing. Before returning to your original lane, DriversEd.com says you should check your mirrors until you can fully see the vehicle you passed and use your turn signal to show your intention. When you change lanes, be sure to maintain your speed.

Dealing with aggressive drivers

You can’t control what other drivers do, but by driving defensively, you can help keep yourself, your passengers and other motorists safe from angry or aggressive drivers. If you see someone exhibiting signs of road rage, attempt to remove yourself from the situation entirely by putting physical distance between your vehicles.

For example, you could get over into the right lane to allow a frustrated driver to pass you. Stay calm and resist the urge to respond to their anger because they could escalate the situation. If you made a mistake, like inadvertently cutting someone off, apologize. If you sense that you’re in danger or other motorists are in danger, call for help.

Keeping right

In some states, the left lane is considered the passing lane, so if you're not overtaking a slower-moving vehicle, stay in the right lane, says U.S. News. Some interstates have signs posted to enforce this rule, and in some cases, you may be pulled over and ticketed if you're camping out in the left lane.

Fuel efficiency tips

If you’re looking to get better gas mileage and save on fuel expenses, the U.S. Department of Energy says that you can:

• Drive sensibly
• Avoid putting cargo on your roof
• Remove extra weight
• Use cruise control

Vehicle emissions and eco-friendly driving

To help reduce pollution and be more eco-friendly, you can do a number of things, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

• Drive less. The less time you spend on the highway driving, the less you’ll contribute to pollution. Look to carpool or take other means of transport when you can. If you can combine multiple trips together, do so.
• Drive smart. Make sure to get your vehicle regularly serviced, and when you do drive, avoid rapid acceleration and heavy braking.
• Pick fuel-efficient vehicles. If one of your vehicles gets better gas mileage, consider driving it whenever possible. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, you could consider hybrids, electric cars, or simply a more fuel-efficient option than your current ride.

Benefits of carpooling and public transport

Even seemingly small changes, like carpooling or taking public transportation instead of driving alone, can have a positive impact on the environment. Transportation is the single largest source of carbon emissions in the United States, according to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, and the average vehicle emits between six to nine tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually. So, by carpooling or choosing public transit, you could potentially save money and help reduce CO2 emissions.

Understanding traffic laws and regulations

Before driving on the highway, it’s important refresh yourself on the potential traffic laws at play. Depending on where you live, you could be subject to laws that require you to:

• Drive above a certain minimum speed and below the posted speed limit
• Move over for stopped vehicles
• Pass only in designated areas
• Keep to the right lane unless passing
• Use a turn signal for any lane changes or turns

These are just a few examples. Be sure to look up laws in your state and/or the states you’re traveling through.

With so many cars traveling at high speeds, it’s important to take immediate action if you have a breakdown or are involved in an accident.

If your vehicle starts to break down or run out of gas, CarParts.com says, attempt to move your vehicle over to the shoulder, if it’s safe to do so. Considering the left lane is typically for faster moving traffic, the right shoulder is generally preferred. On a highway with lots of lanes, CarParts.com says to turn on your flashers and begin to work your way over. Once you’re stopped on the side of the road, stay inside the vehicle and call for assistance.

If you’re involved in a car accident on the highway, many of the same steps you’d take after any other accident still apply. The safety of everyone involved is of the highest priority. So, be sure to check yourself and any passengers for injuries and then immediately call for help. Some states, like Virginia, have “move it” laws where you’re required to move the vehicle out of travel lanes if it’s possible to do so safely. Moving your vehicle out of the travel lanes can help prevent additional collisions. When you are safely out of traffic, you can wait for help to arrive and then begin the process of exchanging information and documenting the accident.

If you’re driving and come across an emergency vehicle with flashing lights or normal vehicle that has activated its hazards or is showing signs of distress, some states, like Virginia, have “move over” laws. In other words, change lanes to give the stopped vehicle(s) ample space and then proceed with caution. If a lane change isn’t possible, the Virginia Department of Transportation says to slow down to a safe speed and proceed with caution.

Highway driving etiquette and road rage management

Whether it’s required by law or just generally good practice, proper driving etiquette is important to help reduce stress, improve safety and improve the flow of traffic, according to Get Drivers Ed. They say that to be a more considerate driver you can:

• Indicate using turn signals
• Follow speed limits
• Yield to pedestrians
• Avoid aggressive driving maneuvers
• Practice driving at a safe following distance
• Be careful around intersections
• Only use your horn when it enhances safety

By following these tips, you can promote safety and help keep yourself and other drivers calm.

Utilizing GPS and navigation systems

Navigation systems offer numerous benefits to highway drivers. First, they can get you to your destination with hands-free navigation. On a highway with lots of moving vehicles, it can be helpful to have voice navigation tell you when and where to exit or turn. By having hands-free navigation available, you can simply focus on driving where you need to go instead of worrying about the directions. Additionally, navigation systems can help reroute you around congested stretches of road, potentially saving you time instead of sitting in standstill traffic.

Importance of dashcams and other safety gadgets

Modern vehicle technology is enhancing safety for drivers everywhere. The NHTSA notes that electronic stability control, blind spot detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings and adaptive cruise control are safety features that weren’t even an option a few decades ago, and now they’re in many vehicles to help save lives.

Additionally, there are other features or gadgets vehicle owners can add. For example, while a dashcam could require an upfront cost, it can pay off if you’re ever involved in a crash according to U.S. News. If you’re involved in an accident and there are no witnesses available, dashcam footage could prove what really happened. The footage could potentially save you thousands of dollars if it stops you from being falsely accused of something or assigned fault for a crash you didn’t cause. Additionally, DriversEd.com mentions you could consider other options like a heads up display (HUD), real-time tire pressure monitoring or a driver monitoring system.

Understanding autonomous vehicles

Because autonomous vehicles are relatively new and technology is still evolving, there are different levels of classification. The NHTSA categorizes systems from Level 0 (least automation) to Level 5 (most automation).

• Level 0 (momentary driver assistance): The driver is responsible for operating the vehicle. The autonomous system provides temporary assistance, like automatic emergency braking.
• Level 1 (driver assistance): The driver is responsible for operating the vehicle, and the system provides continuous help with speed control or steering, like adaptive cruise control or lane keeping assistance.
• Level 2 (additional assistance): The driver is responsible for operating the vehicle, but the system can perform speed control and steering support. An example would be highway pilot technology.
• Level 3 (conditional automation): With conditional automation, the system handles driving tasks while the person in the driver’s seat remains attentive and ready to take over at any moment.
• Level 4 (high automation): When a high automation system is engaged, the system is completely in charge of driving tasks in limited-service areas. Vehicle occupants do not need to be engaged and can purely be passengers.
• Level 5 (full automation): A fully autonomous vehicle handles all driving tasks while vehicle occupants can purely enjoy being a passenger. These systems operate the car anywhere and in any type of conditions.

Some basic features, like lane keeping assistance, could already be aiding highway drivers today. However, the NHTSA notes that vehicles with many of the advanced features listed above are not available in today’s market.

Innovations in highway infrastructure

Innovations in technology and construction materials are leading to more resilient roads that are better for the environment, according to CRH. In fact, CRH says that embracing these new methods could help save billions of dollars. Additionally, Purdue recently released a report on a segment of highway that is capable of recharging vehicles as they drive. Highway infrastructure is in an age of improvement that could benefit drivers for years to come.

Impact of electric vehicles (EVs) on highways

As more electric vehicles are added to highways across the country, some people have expressed concerns over how much they weigh and if they could contribute to worn down roads. After all, Kevin Heaslip, an engineering professor at the University of Tennessee and director of its Center for Transportation Research, notes that EVs can weigh 30% more than comparable gas-powered options. But considering that semitrucks can weigh 80,000 pounds (or 40 tons), the University of Tennessee notes that the main culprit causing road wear remains larger trucks, not EVs.

However, one major concern regarding an increase in the number of electric vehicles on highways is their effect on safety in crashes, according to Raul Arbelaez, Vice President of the Vehicle Research Center at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Because of how heavy EVs can be, Arbelaez worries that in crashes with lighter vehicles, or collisions with pedestrians and bicyclists, the extra weight could increase the amount of damage.

Autonomous vehicles and the future of highway travel

While nobody knows the future, wide adoption of autonomous vehicles could completely revolutionize highway travel as we know it. Proponents of autonomous vehicles envision a future of safer travel and less traffic, according to McKinsey and Company. They pose the question of what if stressful commute times turned into productive hours instead.