Driving tips on highway: How to drive a car on the open road

Highways are a pleasure to drive on for the experienced driver and the driving enthusiast. Open roads, nearly no traffic, clear visibility, a sense of huge space and the opportunity to drive less restrainedly all appeal to a person who loves to drive. However, you must abide by all the rules and safety measures even more when driving on the highway. Indian highways are notorious for the number of accidents every year and the number of lives they claim. For the safety of every vehicle and person on the highway, you must know how to drive a car safely.

What should you remember when driving on the highway? Tips for your safety

Keep the following points in mind for a safe and pleasant drive on the highway:

Inspection of your car before the journey

Fill your tyres to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer and ensure you carry a functional spare tyre. Also, ensure you check your car for essentials before starting your journey. As you might be driving into different jurisdictions, you should carry all the documents relating to your car in original. Carry your car insurance policy in its original form if you need to get your car repaired due to any mishap.

Drive maintaining a constant speed

Most accidents on the highway happen due to the unpredictable nature of events that may occur. Drive at a certain speed you are comfortable at and stay within the recommended speed limit, as there is a scientific basis for the same being assigned to different roads. Drive at lower speeds at night and when the road surface is wet. Driving at high speeds may be thrilling, but it is extremely risky.

Pick a lane to drive in

According to the road and traffic conditions, pick the lane you wish to drive in and stick to it. Lane discipline is extremely important when driving on the highway.

As per highway rules, the lane on the right is the fast lane and should be used for overtaking another vehicle. The lane on the left is meant for heavy vehicles that move at slower speeds. The lane or lanes in the middle are to be used by those moving at a moderate and constant speed. Stick to your lanes, resisting the temptation of weaving in and out of lanes, which compromises the safety of everyone around you and burns more fuel.

Give a proper indication of the change of direction

It is extremely important for the safety of all concerned to communicate your intentions to other drivers. This is only possible by proper usage of your indicators and by indicating any change in your direction well in advance. Remember, you are safe only if the other drivers have been made aware of your intentions. Proper and timely use of indicators when you change directions is compulsory.

Wear your seat belts

People in the car should compulsorily wear seatbelts on the highway. These are lifesavers and should not be looked at only from the angle of complying with the rules. Remember that your seatbelts will save you from injury and worse, even in case of something as petty as sudden braking. Also, the airbags may only deploy properly in some cars if you are buckled up.

Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you

Sudden and unexpected braking due to the sudden entry of a human, an animal or some small vehicle on the highway is quite common in India. Maintaining a safe distance from the car in front of you helps avoid collisions in such cases. Maintain a distance of 3 seconds from the car in front. At an average speed of 80 kmph, this distance is at least 22 feet. Increase this distance in the dark or when the road is wet.

Overtake carefully

The first rule of overtaking is not to overtake in case of the slightest doubt in your mind. Wrong overtaking accounts for a lot of car accidents on the highways. When you plan to overtake, check your mirror for traffic behind you, use your indicators and pull out and overtake from the right lane. Ensure that you communicate your intent to overtake the person you are overtaking. Never overtake in curves or bends in the road or when you cannot see oncoming traffic.

Night driving on the highway

Avoid night driving to the extent possible. Clean your windshield and headlights for proper visibility at night. Avoid the unnecessary use of high beams, especially if you have LED headlights, as they blind the oncoming driver and may cause an accident involving you, too.

Conclusion

Highway driving is a pleasure if you follow the rules and norms. Also, remember that driving at excessive speeds does not significantly affect the time you gain. It is advisable to drive at a steady speed consistently, ensuring safety for every person and spending your fuel effectively and efficiently. Along with safe driving habits, having the right car insurance with essential add-ons like Engine Protection Cover or Zero Depreciation Cover ensures you're protected against unexpected expenses that might arise from long highway journeys or high-speed driving conditions.