Driving on a freeway can be one of the safest places to drive. The best roads are usually used for freeways. However a serious crash on a freeway contains enough momentum to seriously endanger lives. Therefore driving safely on freeways is crucial.
Inexperience is a major problem for freeway drivers. This can result in unsafe practices such as 'road hogging' (driving in the overtaking lane until someone tailgates you) and can also result in inconvenience to other motorists by causing unnecessary traffic jams due to improper merging. This highlights the importance of proper driver training.
Another major problem is 'road rage' . This can lead to unsafe practices such as tailgating and general aggressive driving. 'Road rage' expert Dr Driving found that the major trigger of 'road rage' is drivers hogging the overtaking lane. However simple discourtesy can be enough to trigger it. In one case a lady went into a 'road rage' because someone didn't raise their hand to thank her for letting them into a lane. People even go into road rage because of people (probably exhibiting 'road rage' themselves) tailgating them. If you are prone to 'road rage' please follow the above link for tips on how to manage it.
SPECIFIC FREEWAY DRIVING ACTIONS
Do not drive in the overtaking lanes unless overtaking. To do so would risk having other drivers 'lane weaving' or having a 'road rage' and tailgating you. Countries with low accident rates seem to be characterised by good lane discipline.
Don't risk falling asleep at the wheel
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Use the two second rule. Rear end collisions are one of the greatest problems on highways. Pick an object on the side of the road beside the vehicle in front. Count the time it takes you to get beside that object. If you reach it in less than two seconds you have a dangerous shortage of braking distance.
Safe passing depends upon cooperation between drivers. Do not speed up when being passed.
Don't cut in too soon. Unpredictable movements at high speed can be deadly.
Be aware of that trucks have a 'deaf spot' created by a partial vacuum. Thus they may not hear your horn.
Don't drive in other cars' blind spots.
Check mirrors
Check blind spots
Signal intentions
Change lanes gradually and carefully.
Unless the traffic is very dense don't drive up to the freeway and stop for no reason. Use the acceleration lane to get up to cruising speed while lining yourself up with a gap in the adjacent lane. Then attempt to merge into the traffic stream. When you are about to enter, yield to approaching traffic on the freeway as you are about to enter and stop if necessary- but be cautious of the vehicles following you.
If you are on a freeway and a car is seeking to merge in front of you slow down slightly to accomodate it.
If you are on a freeway and a car is seeking to merge behind you accelerate slightly to accomodate it.
None of the above should create a dangerous lack of braking distance in front or behind you. If the worst comes to worst the merging car can stop but the cars already on the road are stuck.
Keep moving on the freeway. A stop can result in a serious rear end collision. Move to the deceleration lane and THEN slow down if this is possible.
Plan ahead. Watch for exit signs. If you miss an exit don't back up. Go to the next exit. If you take a wrong exit don't stop. Stops are a primary cause of rear end collisions.
Parking is prohibited on the main portion of a freeway, the shoulders or anywhere within the right-of-way except in the case of emergency.
High speeds generate heat. Check oil, water level, radiator hoses, and fan belt frequently.
Be sure tires are safe for high speed driving. Blowouts are undesirable.
If you have vehicle trouble be especially cautious at night. There is a danger of being hit from the rear. Use all four flashing lights simultaneously.
If the vehicle is disabled, move it so that all wheels are off the travelled portion of the road, if possible.
Raise the bonnet.
Remove the vehicle without delay.