Driving in large cities and on highways can be a daunting experience for even the most seasoned drivers. The constant flow of traffic, sudden lane changes, and high speeds can easily overwhelm even the most confident drivers. Thus, preparation is key when it comes to driving in these environments.
According to the NHTSA, the number of traffic fatalities has decreased by around 3.2% when compared to 2023. This made the second quarter of 2024 the ninth consecutive quarter where fatalities declined. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should now relax behind the steering wheel and take it easy!
If you’ve been used to driving in suburban and quiet neighborhoods, then the highways and big cities will certainly feel overwhelming. In this article, we’ll be looking at a few key insights that can help you prepare for their hectic driving conditions. Let’s begin.
What Does Big City Driving Entail?
Driving in a large city comes with its own set of complexities that require a combination of patience, attention, and quick reflexes. One of the key aspects of city driving is lane discipline. In urban areas, lane changes happen frequently, and the flow of traffic can be unpredictable.
Moreover, some parts of America are truly chaotic and messy even for experienced drivers. Combine that with the abundance of large and heavy vehicles, and the roads can truly be a dangerous place if you’re not careful. Even cities like St. Louis, Missouri, have seen close to 9,000 people die in car crashes in just 2023 alone. That’s just one city in the state.
The fact is, you never know if and when you’re going to run into trouble on the road these days. Moreover, with so many semi-trucks on the road, you might even want to keep a good St. Louis truck accident lawyer on speed dial. The same thing goes for any other industrial city in America.
As TorHoerman Law notes, if you ever end up in a tricky situation, just gather as much evidence as you can at the accident scene. That can help your lawyers and the police track down any hit-and-runners to ensure they cough up compensation for damages.
Similarly, big-city driving will also require that you brush up on your understanding of traffic signs and signals. There can be a ton of them, and breaking them often means many unwanted fines.
Make an Effort to Understand the True Implication of Speed
Driving on highways presents a different set of challenges compared to city driving. While highways tend to offer more predictable traffic flow, they also come with their own risks due to the high speeds and long distances involved.
A recent study in Seattle found that reducing your speed by just five mph could make roads safer. According to Cathy Chase, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, there are three factors that make higher speeds more dangerous. Firstly, less reaction time; secondly, the increased time to stop; and thirdly, the greater energy impact during a crash.
Another important aspect of highway driving is the need to maintain focus over extended periods. Unlike city driving, where frequent stops and starts keep you engaged, highway driving can sometimes feel monotonous, which increases the risk of losing concentration. If you drive on highways while fatigued, you risk being victim to the dangerous microsleep effect.
As WebMD explains, microsleeps are episodes of sleep lasting less than 30 seconds. They also highlight a scary fact–even a microsleep of 3 seconds at 60 mph means you have traveled 300 feet without any control.
Practice Crash Prevention Techniques and Strategies
Ideally, you should have learned about the key strategies and tips to deal with emergency situations before you get your license. However, here’s a quick refresher if you need reminding.
An easy way to avoid common crashes is to stop tailgating. In other words, follow the “three-second rule”—stay at least three seconds behind the car ahead. This gives you enough time to react if they suddenly brake or switch lanes.
On highways, especially at higher speeds, this distance should be increased to five or even six seconds to account for slower reaction times and larger stopping distances.
Next, if you lose control, don’t try to correct in the other direction. Instead, keep calm and steer into the skid. This technique can prevent your car from spinning out or sliding into other lanes or vehicles.
These conditions happen often during the winter seasons, when snow or rain can reduce your car’s tire traction, so be ready for it. Similarly, don’t lose your cool during a tire blowout. It can feel super scary at high speeds, but stay calm.
The key thing to remember is not to slam the brakes. Instead, grip the steering wheel firmly, gradually take your foot off the accelerator, and naturally steer towards a shoulder or exit ramp.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to drive efficiently on a highway?
Hold a stable speed that’s well within the speed limit. You can even turn on using cruise control to save fuel. Avoid sudden acceleration or braking. Stay in the right lane unless overtaking, and keep a safe following distance. Check tire pressure regularly to improve fuel economy and overall vehicle performance.
2. How to overcome the fear of driving in the city?
Start with quieter roads during off-peak hours to build confidence. Familiarize yourself with city traffic rules and plan routes ahead. Read up and practice defensive driving skills and consider taking a driving course or driving with an experienced passenger for guidance and reassurance.
3. What is the first thing you do in a car accident?
Try to park your car in a safer area, away from the traffic, and turn on your hazard lights. Check if anyone’s hurt and call 911 if necessary. Swap contact and insurance info with the other driver. Document the scene with photos and notes to assist with insurance claims.
To summarize, every year, millions of young Americans move out and face the world. However, preparing for traffic in other cities and conditions isn’t something that’s always talked about. The reality is, that knowing how to tackle any driving situation is going to be critical as you travel around the country in the years to come.
In this context, taking the time to ensure you are well-prepared and always honing your driving skills can help a lot. Hopefully, this article has given you some perspective on some of the areas you should start tuning up before you hit the highways and busy city roads!