How to Master Interstate Driving
Interstate driving can be overwhelming at first and is an integral part of our highway transportation system. Generally, these high-speed roadways, when compared to other roadways, have a lower frequency of collisions; however, when a collision does occur, it is often more severe because of the combination of speed and impact. Because of higher speeds, multiple lanes, entry and exit ramps, and the sometimes unpredictable movements of vehicles around interchanges, even experienced drivers can experience heart palpitations (okay, maybe just a slight case of nervousness).
Here’s what you need to know about interstate driving and what you can do to stay safe on high-speed roadways.
Mastering Interstate Driving with These 5 Tips
- Stay alert. Always be mindful of the position of your vehicle and the other vehicles around you while interstate driving. Scan ahead to avoid obstructions or hazards.
- Be aware of fatigue. On longer interstate trips and prolonged interstate driving, be aware of the onset of fatigue, drowsiness or just plain boredom — often referred to as “highway hypnosis”. To combat this, try to take a “safety stop” at least once every two hours or after 100 miles or simply change drivers if available.
- Look out for pinch points. Pinch points occur when two vehicles try to merge into the same lane at the same time. Try to avoid this by anticipating other vehicles intentions and using proper communication while on the interstate (turn signals etc.).
- Adhere to speed limits. The following Illinois speed limits apply, unless otherwise posted:
- Interstates and tollways: 70 mph
- Highways with four lanes: 65 mph
- Other highways and rural areas: 55 mph
- City/Town Areas: 30 mph
- Alleys: 15 mph
- School Zones: 20 mph (on school days between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. or anytime when children are present and signs are posted)If you need to stop your vehicle while driving on an interstate, turn your right turn signal on, reduce your speed, and pull off to the shoulder. After stopped, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of your position.
- Know which lane to be in. Each lane on a 3+ lane interstate or highway has its own specific purpose.
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- The lane farthest to the left is the passing lane and is meant to be used for passing slower moving traffic.
- The middle lane is the driving lane where you should be if you are traveling for a long distance and you do not intend to exit soon.
- The lane farthest to the right is the enter/exit lane intended for use by vehicles that are entering or exiting the highway only. If you are in this lane while traffic is merging, you should do your best to make sure that merging traffic has an opportunity to merge safely.
Are you interested in improving your current interstate driving practices?
Register for any of our adult behind-the-wheel training packages. View pricing and schedule availability for our adult driver education program or contact Top Driver for questions and more information on interstate driving.
Frequently asked questions
Why do interstate crashes tend to be more serious than other crashes?
Interstates actually have a lower crash frequency than surface streets, but when a crash does happen, the combination of high speeds and high impact forces makes the outcome much worse. Add in multiple lanes, on- and off-ramps, and the unpredictable movements of merging vehicles, and even experienced drivers feel pressure. The takeaway: you don't need to fear the interstate, but you do need to respect the energy involved at 70 mph and stay deliberately alert.
What is highway hypnosis and how do I avoid it?
Highway hypnosis is the drowsy, zoned-out feeling that comes from long stretches of monotonous high-speed driving. Your eyes stay open but your attention drifts. To fight it, take a "safety stop" at least once every two hours or every 100 miles, get out and walk around, and swap drivers if you have someone available. Keep the cabin cool, vary your music, and scan actively for vehicles ahead and in your mirrors. If you catch yourself struggling to recall the last few miles, that's the warning sign to pull off.
What are pinch points and how do I avoid them?
Pinch points happen when two vehicles try to merge into the same lane at the same time, usually one merging from an on-ramp while another moves over from the inside lane. They cause sideswipes and forced lane drifts. Avoid them by reading other drivers' intentions early (look at their signals, their head movement, and their lane position), using your own turn signal well before you move, and giving merging traffic space rather than racing them to the same gap.
What are the Illinois speed limits I need to know?
Unless otherwise posted: interstates and tollways are 70 mph; four-lane highways are 65 mph; other highways and rural roads are 55 mph; cities and towns are 30 mph; alleys are 15 mph; and school zones are 20 mph on school days from 7 AM to 4 PM (or any time children are present and signs are posted). Posted limits always override these defaults. Construction zones use their own reduced limits and the fines for speeding in them are increased.
Which lane am I supposed to drive in on a three-lane interstate?
Each lane has a purpose. The left lane is for passing slower traffic, not for cruising. The middle lane is the through-driving lane for vehicles continuing for a longer distance. The right lane is the entry/exit lane for vehicles getting on or off the highway. If you're driving in the right lane and traffic is merging from an on-ramp, make room or move over when safe. Staying in the correct lane reduces conflict and keeps traffic flowing predictably.
What's the right way to stop on the interstate if I have a problem?
Turn on your right turn signal, ease off the gas to slow gradually (don't slam the brakes), and pull all the way onto the shoulder so your vehicle is clear of the travel lane. Once stopped, switch on your hazard lights to make yourself visible to approaching drivers. Stay buckled in your vehicle while you call for help unless the car is on fire or it's unsafe to remain inside, in which case exit on the side away from traffic and stand well behind the guardrail.
