Fact: There is a logic to the numbering system for interstate highways in the United States. Odd numbered highways run north-south while even numbered highways run east-west. And, the higher the number, the farther north or east the road.
Highway driving often gives new drivers trouble – especially merging and driving in high-speed traffic.
Practice these pointers with your teen driver:
* Identify where you want to enter the highway well in advance.
* Check all your mirrors for traffic behind you.
* Always signal to let other drivers know what you plan to do.
* Adjust your speed for the merge lane.
* Check the traffic ahead of you on the ramp, making sure these vehicles have merged first.
* Select a safe gap in traffic to merge into.
* Adjust your speed to the flow of traffic, signal and merge.
* Stop or pull onto the shoulder if you find yourself at the end of the acceleration lane and still cannot merge.
* Use minimal steering (small movements) to change lanes on the highway.
* Understand that slower moving cars stay in the right lane.
* Change lanes one at a time.
Parent Tip: Take your teen driver out onto the highway during non-rush hours to get a feel for the road.
Parent Tip: Enroll your child into a Defensive Driving course – they are low-cost, will teach life-saving skills behind the wheels and most insurance companies offer discounts for drivers who have completed a Defensive Driving course.
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