Driving on the highway for the first time can be a stressful experience. On the highway, you’ll encounter a lot of vehicles driving at high speeds, which can make many new and inexperienced drivers nervous. Of course, there’s nothing like doing something for yourself, but reading up on how to drive on the highway can help you prepare so that you know what to expect. Here are some tips that should relieve some of your fears about highway driving.
1. Plan Ahead
Before you head out to take a drive on the highway, you’ll want to have a plan. It’s important that you don’t go out at peak traffic times. Going in the morning before or after most people in your area go to work or late in the day just before people are heading home is a good idea.
However, you also want to go out during the day when the lighting is best. It’s never easy to drive on the highway in bad weather, so if you’re already nervous about it, make sure the weather is going to be nice the day you plan to drive.
2. Take a Passenger
Although having several passengers in your vehicle can be a distraction, taking an experienced driver with you when you drive on the highway isn’t a bad idea. When you pull onto the highway, there are going to be more cars traveling at higher speeds than on city streets. Having another set of eyes to help you look around and alert you to dangers is beneficial. Choose someone who won’t make you more nervous behind the wheel, and let them know you’d like them to be alert and help you while you practice this new skill.
3. Merge With Caution
As you take the on-ramp that lets you merge into highway traffic, use extra caution. Getting on and off the highway can be the most challenging part of the entire experience. You’ll be picking up speed as you try to weave into the flow of cars that are already cruising at speed. If the lane ahead also leads to an off-ramp, cars will be getting into your lane to exit the highway. Be extra vigilant during this part, watching for cars that are changing lanes and slowing down ahead of and behind you.
4. Check Your Blind Spots
Keep an eye on your blind spots as you merge into highway traffic. You should never merge onto the highway without looking in your rearview and side mirrors as well as looking over your shoulder. Many cars have a blind-spot monitor as a safety features these days, but this is no safeguard from checking the lane yourself.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice
We’ve all heard the saying that practice makes perfect, and this holds true with highway driving, too. The more you challenge yourself to get out there and do it, the better and more comfortable you’ll get with it. Take on the highway and learn to drive with confidence, and you might discover just how much you like being behind the wheel.
If you keep these tips in mind before you head out on the highway, you’ll enjoy the experience a whole lot more.
Image via Pixabay
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