What Should Beginners Pay Attention to on the Highway?
3 Answers
Beginners driving on the highway should note: 1. Follow traffic rules, display a novice driver sign or have an experienced driver accompany you; 2. Conduct a thorough vehicle inspection before entering the highway, especially checking tire pressure, spare tire, braking system, water, and oil levels; 3. Be aware of speed limits, minimum speeds, and various routes in advance; 4. On highways with two lanes, it's best to drive in the left lane; 5. Remember not to drive behind large vehicles for extended periods; 6. In case of an emergency, park the vehicle on the emergency lane. When exiting the highway, merge lanes in advance. If the upcoming exit is your intended route, start merging at least 1km beforehand to avoid last-minute lane changes and potential hazards.
As a seasoned driver, let me share some highway tips with beginners. Before hitting the road, always check tire pressure and fuel level, and top up the windshield washer fluid—running out of fuel or getting a flat tire is the worst. Don’t hesitate on the ramp; accelerate to at least 80 km/h before merging, and make sure to turn your neck fully when checking mirrors. Once on the highway, remember the 'three-second rule': maintain a following distance equal to your current speed in meters—for example, 100 meters at 100 km/h. When overtaking large trucks, don’t dawdle; move back to the driving lane immediately after passing. Stopping on the emergency lane is risking your life. If you’re tired, pull over at a service area and splash some water on your face—don’t push through. I once nearly hit a guardrail when I was young and drowsy. When exiting, move to the right lane two kilometers in advance. Never reverse if you miss an exit—driving an extra 50 km is far better than losing your life.
Sweaty palms on your first highway drive? Totally normal! I was the same. Here are some practical tips: Check the center mirror first, then turn your head to confirm the blind spot before changing lanes. Signal for 3 seconds before steering. Leave the far-right lane for large vehicles; the middle lane is the safest. Don’t grip the wheel too tightly—keep it relaxed with minor adjustments, and hold it at the ‘9 and 3 o’clock’ positions for stability. Turn up the navigation volume, and if you miss an exit, take a deep breath—just take the next one. Remember, the dashboard symbol with a directional arrow is cruise control; setting it at 100-110 km/h is most fuel-efficient. Slow down early for roadwork—speeding in cone zones means losing all 12 points on your license.
