Highway Driving Tips
Get a highway safe vehicle here at Roberts Chrysler Dodge Ram
Whenever you take your vehicle out on the interstate, you will see all kinds of bad driving, but the most important thing to remember is that you and your passenger's safety should be paramount. Every time you drive on the highway, there will be all kinds of vehicles entering and exiting, speeds exceeding 55 mph. In addition, all kinds of obstacles might be in your path, such as traffic jams and construction areas that will be in your path as you travel. While driving on the highway, it's a good idea to follow a few safety rules, and that is where we at Roberts Chrysler Dodge Ram come in! Below you will find some safety tips for driving on the turnpike and once you are done reading, be sure to check out our highway safe vehicle inventory which you can find on our website.
Always Wear a Seatbelt
Whether you are driving on the highway or not, you and your passengers should always wear a seatbelt regardless of whether it is a long or short trip. Wearing your seatbelt protects you from injury in case you are ever involved in an accident. For those who travel outside of the state of Connecticut, there are certain states that will require you to wear a seatbelt, and failure to do so can result in all kinds of fines and even a suspension of your license if the police catch you. In addition, make sure that you always tell your passengers to buckle up, as it will give you peace of mind when you get behind the wheel.
Never Exceed the Speed Limit
One thing to remember is that speed limit signs are not posted as suggested speeds. Rather, it is the lawful limit you can travel down the highway. If you exceed the speed limit, you could risk a fine, court costs, legal fees, and some points added to your license. There are certain times when you are traveling down the highway that you may see the "minimum speed limit" sign posted so that traffic will move at a specific rate, and these speeds will be enforced like the "maximum" speeds are. No matter what kind of car you are driving, the faster you go, the less control you will have over the vehicle, and your safety features won't be as effective. So be sure always to follow the speed limit!
Check for Work zones
If you happen to come across a construction site, you will have to expect traffic to be slower, as well as narrow lanes and flaggers, workers, and construction vehicles in your path. Keep in mind that committing a moving violation in a construction zone will result in a hefty fine, so there are a few things that you will need to do. First, always obey the posted speed limit and be prepared to slow down if you have to. You should also follow all instructions from flaggers who will be on the road and only change lanes when the pavement marking and the traffic conditions allow it. Be sure to also watch for unexpected workers, vehicles, and equipment that happen to be in the area. This is especially true at night and in bad weather conditions, as the reduced visibility and bad road conditions will create hazards.
Never Drive Distracted
Once you sit behind the wheel, your attention should be on driving. If you engage in distractions while you are behind the wheel, it can lead to an accident. You need to be aware of three types of distractions: visual, manual, and cognitive. When you use your phone when you are driving, this can lead to all three of these distractions happening simultaneously. If you take your eyes off the road for 5 seconds, it's long enough to travel the length of a football field at 55 mph, which is extremely dangerous. Be sure to keep your eyes on the road, not your device.
When You Have Engine Trouble
You should always keep your vehicle in good working condition, and you can do that by seeing our experts here at Roberts Chrysler Dodge Ram, who will be more than happy to take a look at your engine to keep it running at its best. However, there are times when your engine will shut down without warning and if your engine loses power, be sure to pull your vehicle over to the right side of the road as soon as possible to avoid getting hit by other drivers. Then be sure to call AAA so you can get some roadside assistance.
Get a Highway Safe Vehicle at Roberts Chrysler Dodge Ram
We hope all these tips will help you the next time you get on the highway. If you are looking for the perfect vehicle to take on the highway, then be sure to check out our wide selection here at Roberts Chrysler Dodge Ram! We have a ton of new and pre-owned Chrysler, Dodge, and Ram vehicles that are perfect for taking out on the highway. All of them come with fantastic safety features, so you will know when an obstacle is ahead of you if you want to schedule a test drive, head down to our dealership today and speak with a member of our sales team who will be more than happy to set you up. Our finance center will take care of the rest if you enjoy your test drive. We look forward to getting you behind the wheel of the vehicle of your dreams here at Roberts Chrysler Dodge Ram!