Driving on the highway poses many risks due to the volume of traffic moving through it, especially in the winter months when you factor in snow and ice. Reminding yourself of some safety tips while driving on the highway is never a bad thing, so we have put together a short list of tips for safe highway driving.
Whether you are driving a small vehicle or a large one that is hauling your family home for Christmas or heavy goods, it’s important to stay safe.
- Keep your headlights on at all times.
Having your headlights on is key when driving at night, but if conditions are bad, having your headlights on while driving during the day can also help.
- Stay alert!
You are not alone on the road, often other people are not paying attention to what they’re doing or what anyone else is doing, so staying alert while driving is vital. If a deer or a bear crosses your path, you need to be ready to stop, or stop behind someone else if they spot the animal first!
- Stick to the limit
Speed limits are there for a reason; to keep everyone safe and a good flow to the traffic. Stick to the limit.
- Know where you’re going
Having your route mapped out prior to driving or inputting the destination address into a GPS can save a lot of time and help keep you and your passengers safe.
- Keep your distance
Ensuring there is space around you while driving is very important; if a vehicle starts to drift, there’s space to stop it colliding into you or others and gives you time to move away.
- Keep your car/truck safe
Winter tires, a winter car service, check your headlights, clean your windscreen wipers and the windscreen. Also pack a winter kit into your car in case of emergencies.
- Drive to the conditions
If it’s not looking too good outside with poor weather conditions, or if the weather is due to change en route, consider leaving earlier or even pushing back your journey until it is safe to complete it safely. If the weather is drivable, ensure you follow speed limits and double check your car before you leave.
- Be patient and courteous to other road users.
Driving can be stressful, there’s a lot going on all around and so being courteous to other road users is so important. Following the highway code and doing your part can contribute greatly to a safer road experience for all.
Stay safe on the road and feel free to share these highway driving safety tips with your loved ones.