This was one of my cars which I sold in 2008 found out just got totaled a couple years after I sold it.
We've driven around 1300 miles so far on our road trip and we've still got 2.5 months to go! Since we're spending so much time on the road, here are some tips I wish I could share with every driver.
1. ALWAYS Drive With Your Lights ON
Driving with your lights on makes your car much easier to see because it provides contrast. Bright lights are unnatural, so they look distinct on the road. Your grey car that is covered in road salt against the snowy background is harder to see, but as soon as you turn your headlights on I know for sure you're there. If visibility is limited, like when it's raining, DEFINITELY put your lights on!
2. Don't Drive Slow In The Left Lane
No there is not technically a "fast lane" and the speed limit is the same in both lanes, but it's pretty common knowledge that the left lane is used for passing. So if you're in the left lane and cars are passing you on the right, you're not where you belong. Please move over to the right lane.
3. Get In The Left Lane When Cars Are Merging
If you're in the right hand lane and a car is coming onto the road from an on ramp, safely get over to the left hand lane so they can easily merge onto the highway. Even if you're slowing down to let that car in from the right hand lane they can not tell you are slowing down, moving over to the left hand side is an obvious way to say you are letting them in. You won't always be able to do this, but when you can it helps.
4. Get In The Left Lane When Cars Are Pulled Over
If a police officer has pulled someone over or a car is stopped changing a tire, it's really nice to move over a lane and give them even more space. No one wants a 2 ton vehicle flying RIGHT past them when they are already having a bad day stuck on the side of the road.
5. Use Your HAZARDS
Your hazard lights, or your 4 ways, or your emergency lights... the lights that make all of your blinkers blink. Use these when there is low visibility. Is it pouring and hard to see? Is there fog? Throw on your hazards, the blinking lights will provide even more contrast. A flashing or blinking light will get peoples attention more than a constant one.
Another good time to use your hazard lights is when you're driving the speed limit and all of the sudden traffic slows down a lot, this way the people behind you that are still driving fast, KNOW that traffic is stopped or greatly reducing speed so they don't slam into the back of you. You can also tap on your brake pedal so your brake lights also "blink".
Engage: What are some driving tips you would share? Let us know in the comments.
