How Should Beginners Drive on Highways?

[AlexisFitz]

Here are the precautions for beginners driving on highways: 1. Pre-trip preparation and inspection. Before setting off, thoroughly inspect the vehicle, including: windshield washer fluid and wipers, proper functioning of lights, normal oil levels, sufficient antifreeze, tire condition, and the availability of warning signs and reflective vests. Additionally, fill up the fuel tank and prepare functional drinks, food, and water. 2. Plan the route in advance. Before departure, use a mobile map to plan the route. Modern navigation not only provides directions but also informs about road conditions ahead. 3. Avoid driving at night if possible. First-time highway driving during the day can be stressful enough; nighttime driving can be even more overwhelming for novice drivers. Moreover, there are usually more large trucks on highways at night. If driving skills are not yet proficient, it's best to avoid nighttime driving to significantly reduce the risk of danger. 4. Control your speed. Highways differ from city roads in that they have both maximum and minimum speed limits, typically ranging between 60-120 km/h. As a beginner, try not to exceed 100 km/h but never go below 60 km/h. Avoid occupying the far-left lane for extended periods, as it is usually designated for high-speed or overtaking. 5. Be decisive when overtaking. When overtaking, do so quickly and avoid driving side by side for too long. For manual transmission cars, consider downshifting to overtake; for automatic transmissions, shift to S mode or activate sport mode. After overtaking, don't immediately return to the original lane. Always check the rearview mirror and merge back only after creating sufficient distance from the following vehicle. 6. Learn to anticipate and avoid sudden braking. On your first highway drive, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and avoid tailgating. When the brake lights of the front vehicle illuminate, lift the accelerator and gently apply the brakes. Never wait until the last moment to brake suddenly, as this can easily cause rear-end collisions due to delayed braking by following vehicles. 7. Change lanes early when exiting the highway. When navigation or signs indicate that the exit is 2 kilometers away, start preparing to move to the far-right lane. If you accidentally miss the exit, never stop or reverse; continue driving, as the next exit is usually just a few dozen kilometers away.