1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette Owner's Manual - Page 148

Your Driving and the Road flow. Tryto merge into thegap 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 flow. Once you are on thefreeway, adjust your speed to the posted limit or to the prevailing rate if it's slower. Stay in the right lane unless you want to pass. Before changing lanes, check your mirrors. Then use your turn signal. Just before you leavethe lane, glance quickly overyour shoulder to make sure there isn't 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 theproper lane well in advance. If you miss your exit do not, under any circumstances, stop andback up. Drive on to thenext 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. I Before Leaving on a Long Trip Make sure you're ready. Try to be well rested. If you must start when you're not fresh - such asafter a day's work - don't plan to make too many miles that first part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoesyou can easily drive in. Is your vehicle ready fora long trip? If you keep it serviced and maintained, it's ready to go. If it needs service, have it done before starting out. Of course, you'll findexperienced and able service experts in Oldsmobile dealerships all across North America. They'll beready and willing to help if you need it. 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? Lights: 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 inflated to the recommended pressure? Weather Forecasts: What's 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 tbere actually such a condition as "highway hypnosis"? Or is it just plain falling asleep at thewheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever. 146