When driving your vehicle, you want to make sure to do everything in your power to keep yourself and others safe on the roadway. Here are a few things to keep in mind when sharing the highway with other motorists and ways to prevent a potential accident before it happens.
You’re following too closely
If the vehicle in front of you suddenly slams on their brakes, you need to have time to react and slow down so you don’t end up rear ending them. Typically, you should maintain at least a two second interval between you and the car in front of you. If you’re travelling at speeds above 35mph, add another second. At 55mph, add another second for a total of four seconds between you and other motorists.
You’re cruising in the passing lane
Did you know it’s illegal in some states the cruise in the passing lane? The left hand lane should only be used to overtake slower motorists. As soon as you complete your pass you should get back into the right hand or cruising lane. Doing this correctly helps maintain a steady flow of traffic and avoids dangerous passing on the right.
You’re driving distracted
Distracted driving accounts for about 25% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents. When driving at highway speeds, you’re travelling the distance of a football field every 1.5 seconds. How much damage can you do while you’re blindly covering that much space just because you had to read that text or take your eyes off the road? It isn’t worth it. Driving should be your one and only focus while behind the wheel.
You’re not using your turn signals
Using your turn signal lets other drivers know what you’re about to do and will help avoid confusion and possibly an accident. Letting other motorists know your intention will help them to react accordingly and keep the flow of traffic running smoothly and efficiently.