Highway Driving

Christmas is practically here! As schools let out and vacations start, many folks will be hitting the road to make it home for some quality time with friends and family. Whether you're heading to a different town, or a different state, you're probably going to have to hop on the highway. Many people in Northwest Arkansas avoid driving on the highways unless they have to. They only get on the interstate two or three times a year and that's it. If you’re going on a long distance holiday road trip, you want to be familiar with how interstate highway driving goes.

Before you even set out on the road, you should take the time to get directions. Phones and GPS devices work most of the time, but you don’t want to be halfway to what you think is Fayetteville, Arkansas, only to realize you’re halfway to Fayetteville, North Carolina. Look at the highways you will be taking and check to see if any roads are closed.

It’s important to stay calm while driving on the interstate. Getting flustered and making panicked decisions can lead to an accident. If you miss an exit, don't worry. You can take the next one and turn around. If someone is driving like a maniac keep your distance and don’t let it change how you drive. Road rage can be just as dangerous as panicked driving. 

Don’t speed. You will get there when you get there. Sure, you might save 30 minutes on your trip by speeding, but that's at an increased risk of accident and lessened fuel economy. There's also the little matter of it being illegal. Police officers tend to lurk about around the holidays just waiting to write you a ticket. Speed limits are there for a reason, so follow them!

On those really long trips cruise control seems like a necessity. Cruise control is great, but only use it when it's safe. Never hit the cruise button if it's raining or snowing, or if there's a lot of traffic.

If you get too tired to focus, pull over and let someone else take the reigns. If you're just a little tired, grab a caffeinated drink and a 15 minute break to keep you alert and focused on the road.If you're about to doze off, though, pull off at a rest area and take a nap.