Top 5 Tips For New Highway Drivers In Los Angeles
Driving on the highway can be a relaxing and peaceful activity, especially if there is beautiful scenery. However, highways can also be one of the most dangerous places to drive your car. Despite the risks, new drivers must learn the basic etiquette and unspoken rules of driving on the highway.
In this article, we will review some driving tips for new highway drivers.
Legal Rights for Drivers
All drivers should know the basic do’s and don’ts that are needed for safety, but a driving mistake on the highway can result in a serious car accident. Los Angeles has some of the most dangerous highways in the country. Unlike driving in-town, one very simple mistake on an LA highway could have a devastating or even fatal consequence.
The scary part is the mistake may not even be your fault. There is always a possibility that a big rig truck could lose control and result in you becoming a car accident victim. It is also important to know that you have rights if you’re not at fault. Before we dive into the 5 tips for new drivers, you should know that you have the right to contact Los Angeles truck accident lawyers if you are ever the victim of a vehicle accident.
Highway Driving Tips for New Drivers
1. Perform Regular Maintenance on Your Car
Before hitting the highway in Los Angeles, ensure that your car is in good condition. Perform regular maintenance on the brakes, tires, engines, or any part that the manufacturer recommends. Most car manufacturers recommend a regularly scheduled maintenance routine for each type of car.
2. Maintain A Safe Distance
The highway is notorious for people “tailgating”. Tailgating is when a vehicle is driving very closely behind another vehicle. Tailgating increases the chance of a collision as the rear driver has less time to brake. When driving on the highway, always maintain a good distance from the car driving in front of you. This will give you extra time to brake if the traffic comes to a sudden stop or slow down.
3. Maintain a Set Speed (At or Below the Speed Limit)
Driving faster than the speed limit is one of the most common highway mistakes. Speeding on the highway is quite easy as highways have long and wide stretches of smooth roads. Many times, drivers don’t even realize how fast they’re going. If you have cruise control and you’re comfortable using it, it’s great in helping maintain a set speed.
4. Use Your Blinker to Indicate a Lane Change
When changing lanes, it is not enough to only have a clear lane that you can move into. You must also use the proper signals to let the driver behind your car know you are about to make a lane change. Also, you must know the rules of each lane. For example, the left lane is considered the “fast lane” and the right lane is considered the “slow lane”. When you want to pass someone, you typically pass in the left lane, if possible.
5. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Like driving in the city, while driving on the highway, you need to be aware of what is happening around you. Regularly check the rear-view mirrors. They act as an extra pair of eyes, letting you know what is happening around you. Knowing what is happening around you is necessary in making safe and quick decisions on the road.
Make Sure You Are Comfortable
Driving on a Los Angeles highway requires a certain level of comfort and confidence. If you do not feel confident about taking your car on the highway, you should practice with someone more experienced. This will also help you become a more confident driver.
Remember that driving on the highway is quite different from driving in the city. In addition to these tips, remember to always stay up to date with the driving laws in your area.
