Precautions for Novice Drivers on Highways
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Precautions for novice drivers on highways are as follows: Maintain a steady speed while driving: After passing the highway toll station, first drive on the acceleration lane and observe whether there are vehicles approaching from behind. Enter the main lane without affecting the normal traffic in the left lane. Maintain a steady speed and avoid getting too close to the vehicle in front. Refer to the distance markers to keep a reasonable gap. Generally, if the speed is 100Km/h, the distance should be 100m. Stay in one lane as much as possible: Avoid frequent lane changes on the highway, and do not suddenly decelerate or stop without warning in the driving lane. Do not drive side by side with other vehicles, stay in the overtaking lane for too long, or attempt to overtake from the emergency lane. Additionally, prepare in advance when exiting or merging lanes. Slow down and move to the right lane or deceleration lane 500m before the exit or merging point. Avoid sudden lane changes or emergency braking after passing the exit. Be decisive when overtaking: When deciding to overtake, check if there are vehicles approaching from the left rear and ensure there are no obstacles in the overtaking lane. Use the horn or lights to alert the vehicle being overtaken, especially when passing trucks or buses, and accelerate decisively. After overtaking, do not immediately return to the driving lane. Wait until you are 50m-100m away from the overtaken vehicle before signaling and returning to the lane. Exercise caution when driving at night: Use high beams when driving on the highway at night and pay attention to the taillights of vehicles ahead. Avoid driving while fatigued. In case of heavy fog at night, slow down and turn on the hazard lights. Overcome adverse weather conditions: Visibility is poorer in rainy weather, increasing the risk of accidents on highways. Slow down and watch for standing water on the road to prevent hydroplaning and loss of control. Avoid sudden braking and sharp steering. Maintain a distance twice as long as in clear weather. Use necessary warnings when stopping: If you need to stop temporarily due to a malfunction, turn on the right turn signal in advance to exit the driving lane and stop in the emergency lane or on the right shoulder. Never stop in the driving lane. Turn on the hazard lights and place a warning sign 150m behind the vehicle. Additionally: According to Article 64, Paragraph 1 of "Regulation No. 123," the first 12 months after a driver obtains a new license or adds a new vehicle category is considered the probationary period (i.e., 12 months from the "initial license date" on the license). If the probationary period is extended, it becomes 24 months from the "initial license date." Article 65, Paragraph 2 of "Regulation No. 123" states that a probationary driver must be accompanied by a driver with a corresponding or higher-level license held for at least three years when driving on highways. Failure to comply will result in fines.
Just accompanied my cousin on his first highway drive yesterday. Here are some super practical tips for beginners: Before setting off, thoroughly check tire pressure, engine oil, coolant, and lights – it's best to bring a bottle of windshield washer fluid for emergencies. After getting in the car, first adjust the rearview mirrors and set the seat to a position where you can see the hood, with arms and legs naturally bent for optimal comfort. Don't exceed 60 km/h when entering the ramp, and observe the rearview mirror for at least 5 seconds before merging onto the main road. Only accelerate above 80 km/h to merge after confirming no vehicles within 300 meters behind you in the left lane. Maintaining 100 km/h in the middle lane is most stable – remember to use only the left lane for overtaking. If feeling drowsy, don't push through; pull over at the next service area to splash some water on your face. Last time I found listening to traffic radio quite effective for staying alert too.
As a novice driver with only six months of experience, I totally understand the panic of first-time highway driving. The biggest pitfall is tailgating - when the car ahead suddenly brakes, your legs literally go weak. Now I always follow the two-second rule: pick a roadside marker, count two seconds after the preceding car passes it before you reach the same point. Always change lanes slowly - signal first, then count three seconds before turning the wheel. Extra caution needed during rainy nights - keep low beams on and speed below 80km/h, as rain reflections make lane markings nearly invisible (I once almost drove onto a diverge strip). Mounting phone holders in the windshield corner is safer, but it's best to check navigation prompts at service areas.