Highway Driving Tips Virginia

We all know that irresistible urge to grab our cell phones when we hear that familiar ping, but it's important to remember how dangerous and often illegal it is to use your phone while driving on the highway. Sending or reading texts while cruising at 55 mph down the turnpike for just five seconds is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. If you have an iPhone, a helpful feature called "Do Not Disturb While Driving" can automatically send messages to your contacts, allowing you to stay entirely focused on the road. So, resist the temptation to reach for your phone while driving to ensure the safety of yourself, your passengers, and other road users. Wait until you've pulled over or reached your destination to respond to texts.

Let's all show some consideration for fellow drivers by sticking to the right lane and using the left lane primarily for passing. In some states, some laws can result in fines or tickets for drivers who hang out in the left lane without actively passing other vehicles. When you linger in the left lane while others look to overtake, it can lead to risky maneuvers as they attempt to pass you on the right. Plus, it can cause traffic to back up if you don't try to pass slower vehicles. So, do your part and allow other drivers to pass you on the left lane when needed.

When merging onto the highway, make a conscious effort to use the acceleration ramp to reach your desired speed promptly. This simple action can spare other drivers from having to suddenly hit their brakes or swerve lanes to accommodate your entry onto the interstate. By smoothly getting up to speed, you contribute to smoother traffic flow and reduce the chances of accidents caused by sudden braking from other drivers. You don't need to floor the gas pedal, but utilizing the acceleration lane can make merging safer and more seamless for everyone.

Maintaining a safe following distance is essential on the highway. While it might be tempting to nudge someone to go a bit faster, doing so can jeopardize your safety and that of others. If the driver in front of you suddenly hits the brakes, you may not have enough time to react, leading to a potential rear-end collision. To ensure everyone's safety, leave extra space between your vehicle and the one ahead, especially when traveling on the highway. A good rule of thumb is to gauge your following distance by considering the type of vehicle in front of you and making sure you have at least three or more seconds to come to a complete stop if needed.

Road rage is a genuine problem, especially on busy highways like the turnpike. It's often wiser to brush off other drivers' mistakes or reckless actions and choose not to react. Many accidents on the interstate result from aggressive driving behaviors, and while it may be challenging to overlook another driver's errors, it's the right thing to do. Instead of getting upset and responding aggressively when another driver makes a mistake, try taking a deep breath and simply letting it go for everyone's safety and peace of mind.

Before hitting the highway, you must ensure your vehicle is safe for travel. We specialize in various services at Pearson Auto Group, from oil changes to complete transmission repairs. Our team includes highly skilled technicians eager to care for your vehicle's needs. You can schedule an appointment either at our dealership or through our website. Don't wait to get your oil changed or fluids topped up; visit Pearson Auto Group today!