Safe Driving on Highway Road

When you're a new driver, it's generally best to build your confidence gradually by driving on local roads. From there, you can move your way up to highway driving. The prospect of driving on the highway for the first time can be daunting for many new drivers — moving at high speeds, merging into traffic, and changing lanes on the interstate requires constant focus and careful agility, after all.

As intimidating as the highway may seem, a little preparation and practice are all you need to become a confident driver. The following highway driving tips will help you stay safe when you hit the highway for the first time, and with every subsequent road trip you take:

1.  Avoid Driving When You’re Tired or Impaired in Any Way

Impaired driving is a very real problem both on city streets and highways. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one person dies in an alcohol-impaired driving accident every 50 minutes in the United States. Of course, alcohol isn't the only dangerous source of driving impairment. Drugs (such as marijuana) and even drowsy driving can have catastrophic consequences for drivers, passengers, and motorists alike.

In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2019 alone, nearly 700 Americans died in drowsy-driving-related traffic accidents.

Fortunately, it's easy to avoid impaired driving. Never get behind the wheel if you're under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. If you have plans to head out and have a few drinks, make sure that you have a designated driver or another safe way to get home, such as a taxi or Uber.

Likewise, aim to get the recommended amount of sleep each night — especially if you have plans to drive the next day. Specific sleep recommendations can vary by age, but most teens and adults need between seven and 10 hours of sleep each night.

2. Check the Weather Report and Don't Drive in Adverse Conditions

Before you hit the highway, take time to check the weather. Getting an up-to-date weather forecast is easier than ever before, thanks to smartphones, smartwatches, and other connected devices. Whenever possible, avoid driving during periods of adverse weather conditions, such as during snow or rainstorms.

Specifically, the first 10 minutes after it begins raining or snowing are the most dangerous for highway driving. This is because the roads tend to be the slickest during this time, as oil from cars traveling on roadways mixes with water and debris on the road to reduce traction.

Ideally, you should choose a clear day with no chances for precipitation to drive on the highway for the first time.

3. For Your First Highway Drive: Avoid Rush Hour

Taking your first highway drive in the middle of the weekday rush hour is probably not the best decision. Likewise, choosing a large, six-lane highway to drive on for the first time should also be avoided.

Instead, choose your first highway ride carefully and time it accordingly. Generally, you'll want to select a local highway that's not too large or too busy. In most areas, "rush hour" (the busiest time for highway traffic) falls sometime between 8-10 a.m. and 4-7 p.m Monday through Friday. To avoid heavy traffic, consider planning your first highway ride sometime in the early afternoon. This way, there will be fewer cars on the road, which gives you a chance to get accustomed to highway driving without the stress of heavy traffic.

4. Start Your Highway Journey in the Right Lane

On the freeway, the right lane is considered the "merge" lane. This is the lane where most on-ramps merge onto the highway. As a result, this lane also tends to be the slowest moving, making it a great place for first-time highway drivers to start out. 

Staying primarily in the right lane for your first highway ride will help you build up confidence and become more comfortable with driving at highway speeds. The right lane is also where you typically need to be to access an exit ramp, which makes things easier when you wish to get off the highway.

As your confidence increases, you can start driving more in the middle lane(s) and possibly even start using the left lane to pass at higher speeds and practice lane changes.

5. Always Allow Plenty of Space for Lane Switching

Speaking of lane changes, merging and switching lanes can be some of the most stressful parts of driving on the highway. This is especially true during periods of heavier traffic, when it may be challenging to find a gap between cars. Again, this is why it’s recommended to drive on the highway for the first time during a period of low traffic.

Regardless of what traffic is like during your highway ride, there are some tips you should keep in mind when merging and changing lanes to keep yourself (and other drivers) safe.

When merging onto the highways make sure you accelerate appropriately so that you reach the speed limit (or close to it) by the time you merge. Merging at a slow speed can cause drivers behind you to have to hit their brakes, which increases the risk of a car accident. While on the merge ramp, frequently use your side mirror to check the lane you plan to merge into for traffic — and make sure you indicate your intention to merge with your turn signal.

The same applies when changing lanes. Use your side mirror (and check briefly over your shoulder, when possible) and turn signal every time. Remember that you should always practice defensive driving and yield to other drivers when merging or attempting to change lanes. Never assume that another driver will yield to you or that you have the right of way.