Freeway Driving
Mile for mile, freeways — also called thruways,
parkways, expressways, turnpikes, or
superhighways — are the safest of all roads. But
they have their own special rules.The most important advice on freeway driving is:
Keep up with traffic and keep to the right.
Drive at the same speed most of the other drivers
are driving. Too-fast or too-slow driving breaks
a smooth traffic ow. Treat the left lane on
a freeway as a passing lane.
At the entrance, there is usually a ramp that leads
to the freeway. If you have a clear view of the
freeway as you drive along the entrance ramp, you
should begin to check traffic. Try to determine
where you expect to blend with the ow. Try to
merge into the gap at close to the prevailing speed.
Switch on your turn signal, check your mirrors, and
glance over your shoulder as often as necessary.
Try to blend smoothly with the traffic ow.
Once you are on the freeway, adjust your speed
to the posted limit or to the prevailing rate if it is
slower. Stay in the right lane unless you want
to pass.
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Before changing lanes, check your mirrors.
Then use your turn signal.
Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly
over your shoulder to make sure there is not
another vehicle in your blind spot.
Once you are moving on the freeway, make
certain you allow a reasonable following distance.
Expect to move slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
proper lane well in advance. If you miss your
exit, do not, under any circumstances, stop and
back up. Drive on to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite
sharply. The exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to your
speedometer, not to your sense of motion.
After driving for any distance at higher speeds,
you may tend to think you are going slower than
you actually are.Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested.
If you must start when you are not fresh — such as
after a day’s work — do not plan to make too
many miles that rst part of the journey. Wear
comfortable clothing and shoes you can easily
drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it
needs service, have it done before starting out.
Of course, you will nd experienced and able
service experts in GM dealerships all across
North America. They will be ready and willing to
help if you need it.
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Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir
full? Are all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you
checked all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses
clean?
Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough
for long-distance driving? Are the tires
all in ated to the recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What is the weather
outlook along your route? Should you
delay your trip a short time to avoid a major
storm system?
Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as highway
hypnosis? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the
wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of
awareness, or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road
with the same scenery, along with the hum of the
tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the
rush of the wind against the vehicle that can make
you sleepy. Do not let it happen to you! If it does,
your vehicle can leave the road in less than a
second, and you could crash and be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis?
First, be aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:
Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated,
with a comfortably cool interior.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead
and to the sides. Check your mirrors and your
instruments frequently.
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest,
service, or parking area and take a nap, get
some exercise, or both. For safety, treat
drowsiness on the highway as an emergency.
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Before you start, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer
moving and then apply the trailer brake controller
by hand to be sure the brakes are working.
This lets you check your electrical connection at
the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure
that the load is secure, and that the lamps and any
trailer brakes are still working.
While towing a trailer or when exposed to long
periods of sunshine, the oor of the truck bed may
become very warm. Avoid putting items in the
truck bed that might be affected by high ambient
temperatures.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead
as you would when driving your vehicle without
a trailer. This can help you avoid situations
that require heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a
good deal longer, you’ll need to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before you can
return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with
one hand. Then, to move the trailer to the left, just
move that hand to the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move your hand to the right. Always back up
slowly and, if possible, have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to come in
contact with the vehicle. Your vehicle could be
damaged. Avoid making very sharp turns
while trailering.
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider
turns than normal. Do this so your trailer
won’t strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs,
trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden
maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
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Manual Windows......................................... 129
Memory Seat and Mirrors.............................. 12
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages................... 270
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview with
Compass and Temperature Display....... 180
Automatic Dimming Rearview with
OnStar
®, Compass and Temperature
Display................................................. 176
Manual Rearview Mirror........................... 176
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror........... 187
Outside Convex Mirror............................. 188
Outside Curb View Assist Mirrors............. 187
Outside Heated Mirrors............................ 188
Outside Manual Mirrors............................ 183
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors.............. 186
Outside Power Mirrors............................. 185
Outside Trailer-Tow Mirrors....................... 183
Outside West Coast-Type Mirrors............. 185
MyGMLink.com............................................ 641
N
New Vehicle Break-In.................................. 134
Noise Control System, Tampering................ 531
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts..... 632
O
Odometer.................................................... 246
Odometer, Trip............................................ 246
Off-Road Driving.......................................... 372
Off-Road Recovery...................................... 369
Oil
Engine..................................................... 486
Pressure Gage......................................... 262
Oil, Engine Oil Life System ......................... 489
Older Children, Restraints............................. 44
Online Owner Center................................... 641
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual........ 189
Other Warning Devices................................ 213
Outlet Adjustment........................................ 243
Outlet(s), Accessory Power.......................... 228
Outside
Automatic Dimming Mirror........................ 187
Convex Mirror.......................................... 188
Curb View Assist Mirrors.......................... 187
Heated Mirrors......................................... 188
Manual Mirrors......................................... 183
Power Foldaway Mirrors........................... 186
Power Mirrors.......................................... 185
Trailer-Tow Mirrors................................... 183
West Coast-Type Mirrors.......................... 185
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Rear Axle.................................................... 527
Locking.................................................... 366
Rear Door Security Locks........................... 126
Rear Doors................................................. 126
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides.................. 41
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)............................... 347
Rear Seat Entertainment System................. 334
Rear Seat Operation.............................. 19, 20
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts.............. 38
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
Compass and Temperature Display.......... 180
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
OnStar
®, Compass and Temperature
Display..................................................... 176
Rearview Mirrors......................................... 176
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 15
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.......... 629
Recovery Hooks.......................................... 408
Recreational Vehicle Towing........................ 424
Remote Keyless Entry System.................... 116
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation ... 117
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire................................................ 571
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools............ 566
Replacement Bulbs..................................... 541Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government............................. 656
General Motors........................................ 656
United States Government....................... 656
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems............... 111
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash........................................ 112
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)................ 137
Right Front Passenger Position,
Safety Belts............................................... 37
Roadside
Assistance Program................................. 644
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.............. 407
Routing, Engine Drive Belt.......................... 633
Running the Engine While Parked............... 175
S
Safety Belt
Reminder Light........................................ 247
Safety Belts
Care of.................................................... 592
Center Front Passenger Position................ 37
Driver Position........................................... 27
670
Safety Belts (cont.)
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly............ 27
Questions and Answers About
Safety Belts............................................ 26
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides............... 41
Rear Seat Passengers............................... 38
Right Front Passenger Position.................. 37
Safety Belt Extender.................................. 43
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy............. 36
Safety Belts Are for Everyone.................... 22
Safety Warnings and Symbols......................... 4
Scheduled Maintenance............................... 617
Seatback Latches.......................................... 18
Seats
Head Restraints......................................... 18
Heated Seats............................................. 11
Manual........................................................ 9
Memory, Mirrors......................................... 12
Power Lumbar........................................... 11
Power Seats.............................................. 10
Rear Seat Operation........................... 19, 20
Reclining Seatbacks................................... 15
Seatback Latches...................................... 18
Secondary Latch System............................. 580
Securing a Child Restraint
Center Front Seat Position......................... 74
Rear Seat Position..................................... 71Securing a Child Restraint (cont.)
Right Front Seat Position (Crew Cab)........ 74
Right Front Seat Position (Regular
and Extended Cab)......................... 78, 85
Security Light.............................................. 263
Service........................................................ 468
Accessories and Modi cations.................. 468
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle......................................... 470
California Proposition 65 Warning............. 469
Doing Your Own Work............................. 469
Engine Soon Light................................... 258
Publications Ordering Information............. 657
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle....... 108
Setting the Time
Radios with Radio Data
Systems (RDS)..................................... 291
Radios without Radio Data Systems
(RDS)................................................... 290
Sheet Metal Damage................................... 595
Shifting Into Park (P)................................... 170
Shifting Out of Park (P)............................... 172
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change.................. 214
Sliding Rear Windows................................. 131
Snow Plow.................................................. 416
Spare Tire................................................... 588
Installing.................................................. 571
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