1. When driving on the highway, the first thing is to master the use of three mirrors (two side mirrors and one rearview mirror), especially the interior rearview mirror, which allows you to observe the vehicles behind you in real time. At the same time, pay attention to the blind spot of the right-side mirror. If you can’t handle these three mirrors well, I’d say you’re still at a beginner level.
2. When driving on the highway, it’s best not to exceed 120 km/h. The reason is simple: anyone who’s studied physics knows that S=1/2mv², meaning a car’s kinetic energy is proportional to the square of its speed. So just imagine the difference between 120 squared and 140 squared—the consequences can be quite serious. I believe that for a 100-kilometer journey, driving at 120 km/h vs. 140 km/h will not take more than six minutes under normal circumstances. But if you crash at 140, you might be in heaven; at 120, you might still have a chance. Therefore, staying around 100 km/h is the safest bet.
3. Don’t tailgate on the highway, especially box trucks or buses. These vehicles can block your view, and if they suddenly change lanes, you might not have enough time to react, leading to a rear-end collision.
4. When driving on the highway, never change lanes suddenly. Always make sure it’s safe (by checking all three mirrors) before signaling and changing lanes.
5. Most highway accidents happen near exit ramps. Exits are usually on the right, and drivers often fail to change lanes in advance, suddenly swerving from the left, which can cause rear-end collisions. Therefore, try to stay in the left fast lane when driving, especially as you approach highway exits—avoid the right lane as much as possible.
6. While driving, if you need to pick something up from under the passenger seat, it’s best not to. But if you must, and you don’t want to stop, when reaching for the item, let go of the steering wheel with your left hand to avoid inadvertently pulling the wheel while bending over. I’ve had a few close calls because of this.
7. Driving on the highway in the rain is the most dangerous. Especially avoid road surface puddles. If you drive through water on one side and then brake, it could cause your car to spin out of control. I’ve had this happen myself—I spun five full circles before coming to a stop. Fortunately, there were few cars around and no casualties. So on rainy days, try to keep your speed around 80 km/h, constantly monitor puddles ahead, and never brake when going through water.
8. If you see a car constantly crossing the lane lines ahead, the driver is probably inexperienced—keep your distance.
9. If you see a woman driving, keep your distance.
10. If you see someone sitting very upright with both hands tightly gripping the steering wheel, they’re likely a beginner—keep your distance.
11. On the highway, stay away from large trucks—they’re like Iron Man, but overloaded ones often can’t stop and may lose control.
12. When you can’t tell whether the car ahead is planning to change lanes, watch the movement of its front wheels—their direction gives the clearest indication of the driver’s intent, helping you make the right judgment. If the car keeps hesitating, and you decide to overtake, honk decisively and pass quickly.
13. Don’t listen to upbeat or intense music on the highway—it can lull you into driving at 140 km/h without even realizing it.
14. If you’ve driven less than 50,000 kilometers, don’t assume you’re super skilled. You might have some ability, but you’re still lacking in experience. So be extra cautious when getting on the highway.
15. Lastly, having a good and accurate sense of your vehicle is crucial. Simply put, it’s your ability to judge the distance between your car and other objects. You can test this by trying to park in complex spots—if you struggle or need multiple attempts, your spatial awareness needs improvement, and you should practice more.
That’s all for now. I hope fellow drivers can share your own experiences too.