How to Drive on the Freeway Safely: Tips and Tricks

Freeways can be intimidating for those inexperienced with driving on the highway. Vehicles move faster, there’s no traffic control, and the many lanes might seem confusing.

Whether you’re a rookie or a veteran driver, keeping these highway driving tips and tricks in mind will help you stay safe on the road:

• Signal other drivers when you’re about to change lanes.
• Stay in the correct lane and change only when necessary.
• Drive comfortably to keep yourself alert.
• Pay attention to your surroundings.
• Don’t let road rage get the best of you.
• Be careful and considerate when overtaking other vehicles.

Besides taking note of these dos and don’ts, it also pays to know how driving on a freeway differs from traversing highways.

Freeway vs. Highway: What’s the Difference?

All freeways are highways, but not all highways are freeways. Read on if you’re keen on learning how to differentiate them.

Highways

Highways are the long public roads that connect cities and towns. They have higher speed limits and are wider than roads in urban areas.

While vehicles can go faster on highways, drivers must still follow stop lights and be mindful of cross-traffic and the occasional pedestrian lanes. Highways have multiple lanes, each serving a specific purpose.

• The left lane, also known as the fast lane, is for passing other vehicles.
• The middle lane is for cruising at fixed speeds.
• The right lane is for driving at speeds slower than traffic.

Freeways

Freeways are highways but with controlled access. There are no traffic signals or intersections, and ingress and egress are both regulated by ramps.

Freeways are also known as express highways because delivery trucks frequently use them.

Driving on a freeway can be dangerous for the unprepared. The speed limits on freeways are higher than those on highways. Plus, the lack of traffic control also allows vehicles to drive at full speed.

How to Drive on the Freeway: 8 Safety Tips and Tricks

Technically, how to drive on the freeway is no different from driving on any other road. It’s just that you need to be extra careful because most drivers tend to make the most of the higher speed limits.

Here are some tips to help you stay safe and on top of your game whenever you drive on the freeway.

Ensure Essential Vehicle Parts Are Working

Before driving, carefully inspect your vehicle. Ensure the brakes, lights, turn signals, steering, transmission, and other crucial parts are functioning well.

Plan Your Drive

If you’re not on a tight schedule, aim to drive at periods when freeways are less crowded to avoid traffic. Freeways are usually less crowded on weekends and evenings.

Keep an eye on the sky or check weather reports as well. Clear or sunny skies are ideal, as rainy weather can reduce visibility and make the roads slippery. If you can’t avoid traversing freeways in bad weather, be extra careful when driving.

Drive in the Correct Lane

If you prioritize safety and control over your ride, stick to the right lane. You’re less likely to get into accidents in that lane because cars tend to go slower there. 

Once you’re more comfortable and confident with freeway driving, move to the middle lane. When you’re ready to start driving at high speeds, then it’s time to move to the left lane.

Pay Attention to Your Surroundings

Many new drivers tend to focus solely on what’s ahead of them. This is a dangerous habit to have — especially if you intend to drive on the freeway.

Driving on highways requires you to have total awareness of what’s around you, and this means you need to look forward, back, and to your sides. This way, you can keep an eye out for approaching vehicles who want to overtake you or change lanes.

Signal Other Drivers

Use your turn signals to let other drivers know when you plan to change lanes and give them time to adjust accordingly. It’ll help reduce the risk of collisions and other accidents.

Overtake Other Vehicles Responsibly

You can also use your turn signals and give other vehicles breathing room when you want to overtake.

Similarly, don’t try to overtake other vehicles when visibility is poor. Odds are, they won’t see you coming, nor will they be able to see your turn signals. It’s better to drive slowly and safely in low-visibility conditions.

Don’t Let Road Rage Win

Driving aggressively is dangerous, and the odds of you getting into an accident (or an altercation) will increase if you’re angry. According to a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, roughly 80% of drivers in the US experience road rage.

Road rage encourages poor driving habits and decision-making. So if you want to keep yourself and other drivers safe, keep your temper in check.

Always Drive Comfortably

Comfort comes in many forms. For example, being comfortable could mean being a cool-headed driver who trusts their skills behind the wheel. It could also mean wearing snug clothing.

The bottom line is that you need to avoid stressing yourself out as much as possible when you’re on the road. Being antsy, upset, or anxious will affect your driving.