What is the safest lane to drive in on a three lanes highway at night when traffic is relatively light?

Question

By at night I mean after 10PM, Put into consideration that there are trucks mainly in the middle lane and I'm sure some drivers are drunk. Any ideas?

Answer 1

I'm 52 and I would say the middle lane. In an emergency you have two ways out and you can maintain a cushion of distance between you and the vehicles ahead of you.

Answer 2

Drive in the middle lane.  It is illegal and dangerous to pass trucks on the right, and you will do that if you drive in the far right lane.  It is illegal to drive in the far left lane except when passing (or using a left exit), although this is rarely enforced.

Answer 3

the center lane but don't impede traffic

Answer 4

Middle lane.4 sec. following distance.Don't travel in clusters.Check your mirrors every 5-8 sec. You will be fine..

Answer 5

Your best bet is to stay in the center lane as much as possible. Even with light traffic, there will be people entering and exiting the highway in the slow lane, and there will always be some fool who wants to go 180 MPH in the fast lane! The middle lane gives you more options, is usually the best choice. If you have to change lanes quickly (due to a hazard) you will have two choices that you can take!

That is why you will find many professional drivers (trucks) in the center lane!

Answer 6

Center lane.

Answer 7

It depends on the drivers and the traffic patterns. You'll always find those that you'll have to pass, the middle lane leaves too many chances open for accidents to happen and as far as being around trucks... don't. Most people tend to stay in the right lane at night. But again, it depends on the conditions I stated above.

Answer 8

Best way to drive at any time is to always allow yourself an out.  If you are in the middle lane of 3, you have no out as you have traffic on both sides.  Where if you are in either the fast or slow lane. You now have a berm as an escape out in case one is needed.

But then add in the fact its night, if you happen to live in a country or suburb area. I then recommend fast lane to be near the divider over the slow lane berm. For you risk a deer stepping out into your path.

If its lite traffic, no one passing me or such. I'll be a hog and stay in the fast lane to be in the safest lane possible.

Answer 9

Your question can't be answered,    not enough information.    Generally,  the slower traffic should keep to the right.    Often,  the trucks move over to the center lane to allow someone to enter the highway,  who then stays next to them instead of falling back and letting the truck move back right  (don't race past trucks on the right,  that is a monster blind spot they can't see you in).   If heavy ramp traffic,  they may stay out in the middle to avoid constant lane changes.  

As to the drunks,  I hope you are refering to the other car drivers.   Alcohol and drug testing are a part of a truck driver's life,  and should be required for all drivers in the event of an accident.   Any driver with alcohol or drugs in their system should be considered automatically  at fault.

In short,  the safest lane is the one in which your pace allows you to blend with the best.    It does no good to jump in front of a truck going slower than he,  or behind one if you want to go faster.