If you are a licensed driver, it is very likely that you have driven on an interstate at some point during your driving career. Florida is home to a vast network of interstate highways designed for safe and efficient travel. Interstates in Florida are major routes of travel and often see high volumes of both in-state and out-of-state traffic. Due to the design of these highways, driving on interstates is somewhat different than driving on other types of roadways.
When you think about driving on an interstate, it is completely normal for you to feel apprehensive or even overwhelmed. Dealing with multiple lanes at higher speeds, entry and exit ramps, tractor-trailers and impatient drivers can make even the most experienced motorists feel anxious and on-edge. Here are some things to know about interstate driving that may help you feel more at ease when you are traveling on interstates.
Merging
Entering the highway and merging into traffic can be one of the trickiest and anxiety-filled parts of interstate driving. As soon as you drive onto the entrance ramp, increase your speed and turn on your left blinker to get ready for the merge. As you’re driving along the entrance ramp, check your left side-view mirror as well as your blind spot and look for approaching vehicles in the right lane of the interstate. Once you find a gap in the right travel lane with no vehicles, increase speed, turn your blinker on and merge smoothly into traffic.
Commercial trucks
Semi-trailers and other large commercial trucks are a common sight on interstates and use these highways to transport goods and merchandise throughout the country. Since these trucks are so big, they have limitations and can’t maneuver like other vehicles, so you should be extra cautious and stay focused if you are driving near commercial trucks. Give them plenty of space and never drive in their blind spots.
Speed limits and stops
Most interstate highways have both a minimum and maximum speed limit. Driving too fast or too slow is one of the primary causes of accidents on interstates, so make sure that you always maintain a speed that is within the limits. If you need to stop your vehicle for any reason, turn your right signal on, pull over to the right shoulder of the road and turn on your hazard lights. Never stop your vehicle in the travel lanes.
Help if you are in an accident
Since traffic is moving at much faster speeds on the interstate, it may cause you to feel anxious or intimidated. Just remember to drive the speed limit, drive defensively and stay focused on the road in front of you. Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict what another driver will do or when an accident will happen. If you receive an injury or suffer the loss of a loved one due to negligence in a motor vehicle accident, there is help available in the aftermath.