Yes, we know, if you are looking at this website, you probably know how
to drive. This page is not designed to teach you driving skills. Rather, we
hope to pass along some of the common courtesies you pick up with experience
Riding the rear end of a truck This is just a plain old DUMB idea.
They can't see you there, they have no rear view mirror like you do. If you
want to pass, go ahead, but always try to stay at least 3 if not 6 car lengths,
depending on your speed, from the back of a tractor trailer truck. The "two
second rule" is a good judge of safe following distance. With
brakes on all 18 wheels, they can stop faster than you might think, and
they won't even feel it in the cab when you make their trailer your hood
ornament.
When passing trucks: If you are going to pass a truck, do it quickly.
That does not mean do it in a reckless manner, but make sure you get past
them! Truck drivers have limited views of the road and have multiple blind
spots. Furthermore, if a wind gust blows the truck around, or something else
happens, the last place you want to be is right next to them. Get past them.
It is also a good idea not to pass a truck when on a downhill, as trucks tend
to gain speed and may just end up tailing you.
When trucks pass you: If a truck wants to pass you, let them, they
have every right to! If you want to extend a courtesy to the truck driver,
a quick on-and-off blink of the headlights will let the truck driver know
they have COMPLETELY passed you and that it is safe for them to move back
into your lane. This is a big help, as it can be difficult to judge
distance based on side mirrors alone.
Maintain your speed Don't slow down on uphills and speed up on downhills,
it really gets annoying for other drivers. Cruise control will help alleviate
this problem, however, if you don't like this idea, make sure you use more
gas on uphills and maybe touch your brakes on downhills. If your vehicle
can't maintain speed on the uphills... well, you know those signs that
say "slow traffic keep right"? Those mean you.
Weaving Don't go cutting across lanes. When in traffic it is best
to keep to one lane instead of switching incessantly. Studies have actually
been done and it turns out that you don't gain any time at all when switching
from lane to lane.
Stay right!!! Yes, you've heard this one a million times, but really,
if you are driving on a two lane road, and no one is around, and you ain't
passing anyone... stay in the right lane. It really is safer!
When approaching an entrance ramp: It may be a good idea to be in
the left lane (or lane other than the rightmost) when you approach an entrance
ramp. This will allow cars entering the highway to do so without having to
"squeeze" in.
Pulling off the road Don't do it on a curve, it is just a bad idea.
Pull over on a straight length of road and walk back if you must, it is just
safer.
Snow driving Check out our specific snow driving section for tips
on special driving techniques and tips for winter travel.
Emergency Vehicles Everyone knows lights and sirens means to
pull over. This really means "pull over to the right and stop." On the
highway, you may not be required to stop (unless it's a cop and he wants
you), but get over to the right and adjust your driving so that the
emergency vehicle has a clear lane ahead and room to change lanes.
On local roads, the second half of "pull over and stop"
is particularly important. Try to find a nice wide spot, not on a curve.
If there's no safe place to pull over, get over to the right as far as
possible and keep going at a reasonable speed until you can stop.
The same rule applies for oncoming E.V.s They may need to cross into
your lane to get around someone on their side.
Traffic Jams When you encounter a sea of brake lights ahead,
stay in your lane until you determine which lane, if any, is actually
blocked. Just because your lane isn't moving the fastest, doesn't mean
it's not the right one. Likewise, if you know ahead of time that a
lane is closed, get out of that lane well ahead of the obstruction.
The bulk of the delay in most traffic jams is caused by people changing
lanes for no reason, or staying in an obviously blocked lane and then
having to cut in at the last minute, making everyone else have to stop.