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Driving on a California Freeway can be intimidating to newbies, especially if you are new to driving in general. California Freeways are quite different from regular streets and even quite different than highways and interstates in other states. The freeways have some spoken and unspoken rules that people tend to follow when driving and we are here to remind you of those and offer some tips on how to navigate driving on a freeway.
Follow the Speed Limit
While having a long, open road often entices people to drive faster, it is still important to remember what the speed limit is and abide by it. The speed limit has been placed to keep drivers safe on the road, so it is important to stick to it.
With that said one unspoken rule of freeway driving is that slower traffic keeps to the right and faster traffic keeps to the left. The furthest left lane, which is not a carpool lane, is always considered the fast lane on a freeway, and the furthest right lane is the slow lane.
Change Lanes When Safe
Changing lanes on the freeway can be one of the biggest anxiety inducers in drivers not used to the flow of driving on California freeways. It is important to always stick to the basic ideas of safety when changing lanes. Always check side mirrors, the rearview mirror, and all blind spots. Use your turn signal as you prepare to change lanes. Make the change through subtle steering wheel movements; when you change lanes it is important to not be jerky with your movements.
Pay Attention to the Road
Distracted driving is an accident waiting to happen. Eliminate the risk of distraction by staying off your phone while driving and avoid tasks that require your hands such as eating or drinking.
Make Sure You Are Well Rested
Before you drive, whether early in the morning, for a lengthy period of time, or just in the middle of the afternoon, make sure you are in the right state of mind to drive. If you are in any way tired, consider avoiding driving if possible.
Stay Alert
Staying alert means being aware of your surroundings at all times. Driving, especially on a California freeway, requires mental multitasking in order to remain aware of the surroundings in front of you, next to you, and even behind you. You want to make sure you pay attention to sudden stops, animals, debris, potholes, and so many more things that could pose an external threat to your driving.