Can a novice driver always drive in the far-right lane on the highway?
3 Answers
The far-right lane on the highway is the emergency stopping lane, which is only for vehicles with emergencies to stop. Normal vehicles are not allowed to stop or drive in this lane. Introduction to the emergency lane: The emergency lane on the highway refers to the part of the road adjacent to the right lane, including the hard shoulder, with a width of more than 3 meters and an effective length greater than or equal to 30 meters, which can meet the needs of vehicle parking. In emergency situations, vehicles can drive or park in the emergency lane. Emergency lane parking instructions: If you encounter a problem such as a breakdown that cannot be solved, you should park the vehicle in the emergency stopping zone, turn on the hazard warning lights, place a warning sign 150 meters behind the vehicle, and at night, in rain, fog, or other bad weather conditions, you should also turn on the side marker lights, tail lights, and rear fog lights. Other passengers must move to the safe area of the emergency lane and, if necessary, call the highway emergency number for assistance in a timely manner.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I often see beginners driving in the far-right lane on highways, thinking it's safer. That lane is typically reserved for slower vehicles or those preparing to exit the highway. It's indeed acceptable for beginners to stay there, especially while adjusting to highway speeds. However, lingering in the right lane also carries risks—like sudden exit ramps requiring hard braking, which can lead to rear-end collisions, or encountering large trucks with limited space, increasing accident potential. I advise beginners not to rely on that lane too long; once comfortable with speed, move to the middle lane where traffic flows more steadily. Always check mirrors, maintain safe distances, and set speeds slightly above the minimum limit. Highways are dynamic, and beginners may tire easily—take breaks every two hours and practice on familiar routes first. In short, driving right is fine, but proactively elevate safety awareness.
As a new driver who got my license last year, I often hesitated about lane choice when driving on the highway. At first, I preferred staying in the far-right lane because being closer to the side barrier made me feel safer, and no one would overtake from that side. However, after driving for a while, I realized there are hidden dangers: that lane often has exits where vehicles may suddenly slow down or merge, and distracted beginners could easily collide. A friend advised me not to hog that lane and to learn to change lanes when appropriate, such as moving to the middle lane when traffic is light to maintain a steady speed of 80-90 mph. Staying in the right lane is a viable strategy for beginners, but you must stay alert to your surroundings, frequently check mirrors for blind spots, and avoid driving too slowly to prevent obstructing traffic. Safe highway driving is crucial, and new drivers need to gain experience balancing stability and flexibility. Now, I switch lanes based on road conditions to avoid risks.
