Road trips with loved ones and friends are a great way to spend time with your friends and family. While this sounds great, there are some rules that everyone needs to follow. This will not only help you get to your destination safely, but it also keeps everyone safe. It is impossible to predict what could happen next due to the road conditions in this country. Everything can go wrong in a matter of milliseconds. MyNewCar has compiled a list of 10 essential driving trips for long highway runs.
Speed limits must be observed
Many of us are prone to accelerate when we travel on highways. Highways are more open and wider than city roads so it is easier to maintain high speeds. It is not advisable to drive recklessly and just to get on the open roads, but it is possible. High speeds can make your car very sensitive to small inputs from the brakes and steering wheel, which can lead to loss of control. You will often see signs indicating speed limits at highway speeds of 80 kmph. It is best to follow these speed limits. Other factors should also be considered. Visibility is extremely low in fog-like conditions and at night, so it is important to maintain a safe speed. You should not speed during rainy season as slippery roads can lead to a serious accident.
Change of lanes
Every lane on the highway is different in speed. Therefore, driving on the wrong lane at the wrong speed limit can be fatal. Many motorists on the highway continue to switch lanes at high speeds with dangerous drivers. Heavy vehicles tend to stick to the leftmost lanes, and some even park as they are being broken down. It is important to be careful. The speed lane is the rightmost lane. It is used to overtake vehicles. Driving too slow in this lane can result in fatal accidents. It is important to use the appropriate indicators when changing lanes and to also look for the safe gap.
Gap between vehicles
It is important to keep two cars at a safe distance when driving on highways. Because traffic can be unpredictable, it is possible for a vehicle in front of you or behind to accelerate or brake quickly or change lanes. This allows you to have enough time to avoid collisions and prevents panic reactions. It is recommended to maintain a larger gap during nighttime, rainy conditions, and fog-like conditions.
Takeover
Many accidents on highways result from speeding and overtaking. In India, it is illegal to pass on the left side. To overtake the rightmost lane, the rightmost lane must be used. This lane is also known by the speeding lanes. You should maintain a safe speed, use good judgment, and be on time when you overtake. If you aren’t feeling confident, it is best to not overtake. Sometimes, the vehicle in front of you speeds up. You should not overtake and then immediately change lanes. Also, be aware of vehicles in the lane behind you. Make sure to leave enough space so that they can react. When overtaking, remember to use your indicators.
Indicating
Proper indicators when changing lanes, overtaking or turning will help the vehicles in front and behind you decide where you are going next. It informs other vehicles that you are shifting to the left or right, and gives them time to react. This prevents fatal accidents.
Adjusting the Mirror to improve visibility
Mirrors are an extra pair of eyes in your car that allow you to see the activity on the road ahead. You should always check your mirrors for speeding cars and incoming traffic. It is important to make a habit of checking your mirrors at regular intervals. You should always check your rear for vehicles if you are trying to pass or change lanes. You might be blinded by vehicles. This could prove fatal. Fish eye mirrors are a good idea to place in your wing mirrors.
Stopping at rest or putting an end to it
It is important to stop frequently during long highway runs. This not only provides rest for the occupants, but also for the vehicle. The tyres heat up when you drive on highways at high speeds. This can also increase fatigue. It’s not a good idea to push yourself to cover long distances on long drives. It is a good idea to make pit stops when necessary. This helps you stay alert and focused while driving. This allows the tyres to cool down, which reduces the risk of tyre bursts. It also cools the engine, which in turn makes it more efficient and less stressed.
Rainy and wet roads
Roads that are slippery or wet can be dangerous. Many trucks and vehicles are not maintained properly, which means that oil and other fluids can leak onto the roads. This can lead to slippery conditions and worsening of road conditions. If you are driving in the rain, make sure to keep your fog lamps and headlights on. This will help other drivers see your position. Make sure to top up your wiper fluid, and maintain the correct tyre pressure. Avoid speeding and overtaking, and avoid panic braking. The tyres will not find enough grip and could lose control. Avoid slipping through potholes or swimming pools of water, as this could cause hydroplaning which can lead to a loss of grip on the road.
Night driving
Avoid driving at night because of the low visibility, heavy truck and bus traffic on the peak, and high beamers on either side. This makes it difficult and tiring to drive. If you must drive at night, don’t speed up or switch lanes. Clean your windshield, make sure visibility is good, and then use your splash and wiper. High beam is not recommended as it can cause traffic disruptions.
Breakdowns
If your vehicle stops working, don’t panic. Instead, indicate to the left and move slowly towards the left side of the vehicle. Your vehicle should be parked on the shoulder of the highway so that it is visible from the traffic. Blind turns can cause serious accidents so please don’t park your car near them. Turn on the hazard lights and move towards the trunk of the vehicle. Open the haArd triangle, and then place it at least 10 ft from the car. Keep the interior lights on and the parking lights on at night to let other vehicles see that the vehicle is parked. If you are unable to resolve any problems, call the highway assistance immediately.
