How To Drive On The Interstate

In writing this, I am aiming particularly at first-time interstate drivers, young drivers who just got a learner's permit or teen driver's license, or drivers who simply need a lesson in roadway etiquette, as well as depth perception and the meaning of speed limit signs (and why we have them).

Most experienced drivers, myself included, have had that time or two on the highway where you get up behind somebody that just annoys you like crazy because they seem to refuse to follow the rules of the road. While I am aware that we all have our moments where we forget to take that exit and suddenly hit the brake, or cut someone off trying to change lanes without realizing it and throwing them a friendly wave in return to indicate "Sorry!", we also are not aware that other drivers may be experiencing these same things.

However, it is usually pretty obvious when someone just wants to drive obnoxiously, causing you to mumble under your breath "This person is going to kill somebody". Here's a few pointers to those who think driving is a way to quench your thirst for thrill, rather than looking at it for what it is: a means of getting from one place to another, and being aware that others are doing the same thing.

• The slow lane. We all know the purpose of the slow lane. It is for those drivers who do not want to drive any faster than 5mph over the speed limit. It's purpose is to help those more nervous drivers feel secure about the path they have chosen. For those of you who wish to follow the legal speed limit, stay in this lane. As a side note, it does NOT mean to go 10mph BELOW speed limit. In doing this, someone will eventually leave a nice mark on the back of your bumper, and you will be the one responsible for holding up traffic behind you (other slow drivers that happen to be faster than you will be forced to merge into the fast lane, therefore slowing down the fast drivers who apparently have nothing better to do but speed, which in turn holds up traffic in both lanes).
• The fast lane. We have established the purpose of the slow lane. Now let's speed it up a notch, and discuss why we have a fast lane, and who should (and should not) be allowed to use it. As mentioned in the previous bullet, a lot of the drivers in this lane have nothing better to do but speed, speed, speed. They enjoy the thrill, although not always safely. I give a personal thumb's up to the ones who use this lane with caution rather than with intentions of wreaking havoc. This lane is also known as the passing lane, where people in the slow lane can pass even slower people because hitting the brakes on the interstate can sometimes be just as dangerous as not hitting them. People who should not have access to this lane (in my opinion) are, of course, the slow drivers who go slower than the actual limit, and drivers who can't seem to make up their mind which lane they need to be in. Changing lanes constantly can seriously irritate the person trying to pass you. If you're doing it to deliberately annoy them, don't be surprised if they figure it out and get within a few inches of your tail lights and greet you with a nice long blow of the horn.
• Passing. Ok, now let's go a little more in depth. We've discussed the lane used for passing. Let's talk about the act itself. If someone is trying to pass you, let them. Don't speed up just to see how angry they'll get. Sure, it's all fun and games, until you realize you're too close to the car in front of you and before you know it, you, or them, or both are in the ditch with smoke coming out of the vehicle. Now let's turn the tables. If you're going to pass somebody, pass them . Don't take your sweet innocent time because the other driver that is trying to pass the same car will not appreciate you for it. If you're going to pass a big truck, do it very quickly. Big trucks like to pass other big trucks, and sometimes it is difficult for them to see if a car is in the next lane (these are known as blind spots). If you wait to long to get around them, they might very well flatten you. As for those big trucks who like to pass other big trucks, you too should do it as quickly as possible. I realize that it is difficult to get those trucks to go as fast as you would probably like for them to, but I waited behind two trucks for nine miles before the one on the left finally got around the other one. The two trucks were taking turns getting ahead of each other, as if they were debating to see who's truck was the bad boy of the road. Seriously, if you're going to pass somebody, get it over with. No single driver out there owns the highway, so not acting like it will definitely earn you brownie points in the long run.
• Distance.  When driving, you will have those moments when you are impatient and are desperately trying to get around the slow poke in front of you, but are consistently getting frustrated because the people in the fast lane just won't let you merge in.  Don't get right up on the slow poke's bumper.  Back off to a safe distance and put your blinker on to signal the fast lane that you're coming in.  If the slow poke slam's on their brakes, you're done for.  Even if your vehicle is bigger than theirs and no damage is done to it, it might have done some damage to theirs, and the accident will be your fault and you will be the one getting the ticket for following too close.  Want to know why they slammed on their brake so suddenly?  It was a message to you to "Back off!"  Nobody likes the guy that "rides up my rear-end" the entire trip, particularly at night, when headlights can be blinding if they are too close, even on dim.
• Courtesy. I guess you can say that this entire article has been building up to one conclusion. Be courteous of other drivers. By following the above tips, you can be dubbed a courteous driver. The bottom line for everything I've pointed out is this: Like you, all the other drivers have somewhere to be, and do not appreciate those who waste their time by being the highway troublemaker. You're trying to reach your destination in a safe and timely manner, so it's only fair that you allow others to do the same. If you're slower than most, get in the slow lane. If you're faster than most, get in the fast lane. If you're going to pass someone, don't take your time doing it. But most importantly, don't ignore these tips and purposely cause trouble, because it won't get you anything but a ticket, or a ride to the hospital in a body bag.