With summer right around the corner, tens of millions of American families will be loading into the car for vacation. In many cases, that means taking the interstate and dealing with unfamiliar roads and new state laws. To help drivers navigate America’s highways, we’ve put together these three tips for driving on the interstate.
Know the Speed Limit
Most states have a slightly different speed limit. While planning your route, take a moment to find the speed limit for each state you’re visiting. For example, the urban interstate speed limit in Ohio is 65mph, but it’s only 55mph in neighboring Illinois. Knowing this difference can help you avoid speeding tickets and a potential crash.
Choose the Right Lane
U.S. interstate highways are typically designed with three lanes: the passing lane (left), the travel lane (middle), and the exit lane (right). Ideally, you should try to stay in the middle unless you’re actively passing another vehicle. Driving in the right lane can be dangerous because you might find yourself in a “pinch point” where the lane abruptly ends, and you need to change lanes quickly.
Know Your Limits
Driver fatigue and boredom are perhaps the most difficult parts of any road trip. Every year, roughly 38,000 crashes are caused by drivers falling asleep at the wheel. Even more are caused by simple boredom and daydreaming.
If you experience driver burnout, try to find the nearest rest stop and take a break. Get out and stretch your legs, use the restroom, and get something to eat. If you’re still too tired to continue, consider stopping for the day. A hotel room is a small price to pay compared to the consequences of a serious car crash.
If you or someone you love suffered serious injuries in a car accident, we’re ready to be the experience on your side. To schedule a free consultation with an experienced Dayton car accident attorney from The Attkisson Law Firm, please send us an email or call 937-918-7555.
