It’s very important to avoid an accident on the highway because these accidents can be especially dangerous. This is because cars are traveling so quickly. It’s best to always keep a very safe distance from any cars in front of you. In addition, you should always be well-rested and free from distractions while driving. Checking your mirrors carefully is also very important, especially when changing lanes. And finally, always pay attention to other drivers around you. Defensive driving is the most important driving skill you can have and will keep you safer on the road.
How to Avoid an Accident on the Highway: Stay Safe on the Road
Safe Driving Distance
Keeping a
safe distance is very important if you want to avoid an accident on the highway. The faster your car is moving, the more distance you should keep between yourself in the car in front of you. For example, if you’re traveling 60 miles per hour, you should have a length of 18 cars between you. This is about 240 feet. Keeping a safe distance between you gives you enough time to react if they suddenly slam on the breaks. This distance is calculated by the amount of time it takes to make a decision. Then you add this to the amount of time it takes your car to break and then add one extra car length.
Stay Alert
Another way to avoid an accident on the highway is to always make sure that you’re alert and distraction-free when driving. If you have been driving a long time and are feeling sleepy, always pull over. It’s incredibly dangerous to drive while drowsy. Stop somewhere and rest in your car or grab a cup of coffee to wake yourself up. In addition, always drive free of distractions. This means no texts or fiddling with your cell while driving. Set up your music, GPS, and anything else you need while the car is stopped, and keep your hands off your phone while driving. Many cars are equipped with Bluetooth speakers so you can receive calls and even have your texts read aloud.
Check Your Mirrors
Checking your mirrors carefully is another way to avoid an accident on the highway. You should always be glancing periodically at your mirrors while you drive to keep an eye on the cars around you. When you change lanes you should check your mirrors first and then follow with a look over your shoulder to make sure there aren’t any cars in your blind spot. If you’re on a three-lane or more highway, you need to check the cars in the furthest lanes from you as well. There might not be a car right next to you but there could be somebody trying to merge into the same space as you from a further lane.
Be Aware
Finally, the key to avoiding an accident on the highway and really anywhere on the road is to be a good
defensive driver. This means always being aware of the cars around you on the road at all times. If any of them swerve or act sporadically you can react quickly. You should glance around you periodically while driving to keep tabs on the cars around you. Being a good defensive driver is the most important lesson you can learn on the road.
Highway accidents can be especially dangerous. To avoid an accident on the highway, it’s best to make sure that you’re keeping a safe distance between you and the car in front of you. In addition, you should always drive when you are alert and distraction-free. Check your mirrors periodically and especially when changing lanes. And finally, be aware of other cars around you by being a good defensive driver. Hopefully, you’ll be able to remember these tips and avoid ever having any sort of car wreck.
