

Highway safety


Photo by AP

Highway driving is one of the most important parts of driving. Many people think it is just a simple task, when in reality it can be one of the most dangerous places to be driving. Merging, switching lanes, toll booths, and getting off at the correct exit can be very tricky especially for first time drivers.

Living in a rural area, many teens don’t learn to drive on the highway right away. This can be a problem considering they may never drive on the highway until after they have received their license.

It is crucial for parents to take their first time drivers out on the highway before they are off driving on their own.

Photo by AP

Highway driving has many different factors that need to be taken into consideration; the first being the multiple cars and lanes. You always have to be aware of your surroundings and what other cars are doing. The highway also has a higher speed. Many people are used to driving between 30 and 55 miles per hour. On the highway the speed limit falls between 55 and 70 depending on which state you are located. Higher speed gives you less time to react which can increase your chances of getting into an accident.

Weather is another factor in highway safety. Driving in rain, snow, or fog can be very dangerous on the highway because it can limit your visibility. Having poor visibility can make things a lot harder to handle. If the weather is

Photo by AP

unruly then it is best to stay off the highway unless you absolute cannot avoid it.

A key part in keeping yourself and others safe on the highway is to have experience and practice good driving habits on and off the highway.

Rhianna Warbach

One Response

  1. Anne-Marie Sheehan says:

    It is surprising that highway driving is not part of the DMV’s road test.