Chapter 16 Chapter 16 Driving on Driving on ExpresswaysExpressways

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Chapter 16: Driving on Chapter 16: Driving on

ExpresswaysExpressways 11.1 - Characteristics of Expressway 11.1 - Characteristics of Expressway

Driving Driving 11.2 – Entering an Expressway11.2 – Entering an Expressway 11.3 – Strategies for Driving on 11.3 – Strategies for Driving on

Expressways Expressways 11.4 – Exiting Expressways11.4 – Exiting Expressways 11.5 – Special Expressway Problems11.5 – Special Expressway Problems

Characteristics of Characteristics of Expressway Driving Expressway Driving

An Expressway is a limited-access or An Expressway is a limited-access or controlled-access highwaycontrolled-access highway

Vehicles can enter and leave expressways Vehicles can enter and leave expressways only at interchangesonly at interchanges

Expressways include:Expressways include: Interstates (I-24)Interstates (I-24) FreewaysFreeways TurnpikesTurnpikes Toll RoadsToll Roads ParkwaysParkways Some BeltwaysSome Beltways

Characteristics of Characteristics of Expressway DrivingExpressway Driving

Five Main Reasons for Fewer Five Main Reasons for Fewer CollisionsCollisions1.1. Cross traffic is limitedCross traffic is limited2.2. Have a median or barrier between opposing lanesHave a median or barrier between opposing lanes3.3. Pedestrians, nonmotorized vehicles, and slow Pedestrians, nonmotorized vehicles, and slow

moving vehicles are not permittedmoving vehicles are not permitted4.4. Wide shoulders and extra wide underpasses provide Wide shoulders and extra wide underpasses provide

good escape pathsgood escape paths5.5. Expressway signs are designed to help drivers Expressway signs are designed to help drivers

anticipate conditions well aheadanticipate conditions well ahead

Characteristics of Characteristics of Expressway DrivingExpressway Driving

Expressway InterchangesExpressway Interchanges Interchanges are places Interchanges are places

where drivers can cross where drivers can cross over or under as well as over or under as well as enter or leave the enter or leave the expresswayexpressway

Cloverleaf InterchangeCloverleaf Interchange This type of interchange This type of interchange

enables drivers to enables drivers to proceed in either proceed in either direction on either direction on either highwayhighway

Characteristics of Characteristics of Expressway DrivingExpressway Driving

Diamond InterchangeDiamond Interchange This type of interchange This type of interchange

is used when a road that is used when a road that has little traffic crosses a has little traffic crosses a busy expresswaybusy expressway

Left turns by exiting Left turns by exiting traffic can be made traffic can be made easily on the less busy easily on the less busy roadroad

Characteristics of Characteristics of Expressway DrivingExpressway Driving

Trumpet InterchangeTrumpet Interchange Is used when a side road Is used when a side road

forms a T intersection forms a T intersection with an expresswaywith an expressway

All-Directional InterchangeAll-Directional Interchange Is used in complicated Is used in complicated

intersections with high-intersections with high-volume-traffic (Spider)volume-traffic (Spider)

Characteristics of Characteristics of Expressway Driving Expressway Driving

Safe Driving StrategiesSafe Driving Strategies Although fewer collisions occur on expressways, they are Although fewer collisions occur on expressways, they are

usually more serious because of speedusually more serious because of speed Use the following to help you become a safe expressway Use the following to help you become a safe expressway

driverdriver Prepare Yourself and Your VehiclePrepare Yourself and Your Vehicle

Have a travel plan and know your routeHave a travel plan and know your route Keep your vehicle maintainedKeep your vehicle maintained

Build Experience GraduallyBuild Experience Gradually Once you develop self-confidence, you will be bettered Once you develop self-confidence, you will be bettered

prepared to drive in heavier trafficprepared to drive in heavier traffic Concentrate on the Driving TaskConcentrate on the Driving Task

Give full attention to the driving task and do not allow yourself Give full attention to the driving task and do not allow yourself to become complacentto become complacent

Cooperate with Other DriversCooperate with Other Drivers

Entering An ExpresswayEntering An Expressway

Expressway EntrancesExpressway Entrances Most expressway entrances have three partsMost expressway entrances have three parts

The entrance ramp gives you time to evaluate The entrance ramp gives you time to evaluate zone conditions and speed to enter the zone conditions and speed to enter the expresswayexpressway

The acceleration lane is usually long enough for The acceleration lane is usually long enough for you to search for a gap in which to merge and you to search for a gap in which to merge and accelerate to the speed of trafficaccelerate to the speed of traffic

The merging area is where vehicles blend into the The merging area is where vehicles blend into the expressway trafficexpressway traffic

Entering An Entering An ExpresswayExpressway

Steps for EnteringSteps for Entering Follow these steps to enter an expressway smoothly and Follow these steps to enter an expressway smoothly and

safelysafely1.1. Make sure the entrance is the one you want. Look for red and Make sure the entrance is the one you want. Look for red and

white DO NOT ENTER signwhite DO NOT ENTER sign2.2. Signal and take a quick glance through your left outside rearview Signal and take a quick glance through your left outside rearview

mirror and over your left shoulder to find a gap in traffic where mirror and over your left shoulder to find a gap in traffic where you can safely mergeyou can safely merge

3.3. In the acceleration lane, gradually increase your speed. In the acceleration lane, gradually increase your speed. Continue to look through your mirror and over your left shoulder. Continue to look through your mirror and over your left shoulder. Decide when is a safe time and place to merge into the gap in Decide when is a safe time and place to merge into the gap in traffictraffic

4.4. As you enter the merging lane, adjust your speed to match As you enter the merging lane, adjust your speed to match traffic flow, merge smoothlytraffic flow, merge smoothly

5.5. Once on the expressway, cancel your signal and adjust to the Once on the expressway, cancel your signal and adjust to the speed of trafficspeed of traffic

Entering An Entering An ExpresswayExpressway

Entrance Ramp ProblemsEntrance Ramp Problems If you make an error and enter the wrong entrance If you make an error and enter the wrong entrance

ramp, continue onto the next expressway. Drive to ramp, continue onto the next expressway. Drive to the next exit. Never back up on an entrance ramp the next exit. Never back up on an entrance ramp or on an expressway.or on an expressway.

Begin looking immediately for a gap in traffic if the Begin looking immediately for a gap in traffic if the entrance ramp is short or there is no acceleration entrance ramp is short or there is no acceleration lane. lane.

If you have closed front zone, reduce your speed to If you have closed front zone, reduce your speed to give the vehicle in front more time to find a gap.give the vehicle in front more time to find a gap.

Entering An Entering An ExpresswayExpressway

Entrance Ramp Signal LightsEntrance Ramp Signal Lights Some entrance ramps have signals lights to Some entrance ramps have signals lights to

help space traffic entering the expressway. help space traffic entering the expressway. The lights are usually red and green.The lights are usually red and green.

You must wait for the green light before You must wait for the green light before entering the expressway, as the picture entering the expressway, as the picture shows.shows.

A A ramp meterramp meter, , ramp signalramp signal or or metering lightmetering light is a device, usually a basic is a device, usually a basic traffic light or a two-section signal (red and green only, no yellow) light together with a signal controller that regulates the flow of traffic entering freeways

Entering An Entering An ExpresswayExpressway

Merging Area ProblemsMerging Area Problems A closed front zone may cause you to reduce your A closed front zone may cause you to reduce your

speed and even to select a new gap. Once you are speed and even to select a new gap. Once you are on the expressway, accelerate as you establish your on the expressway, accelerate as you establish your safe following distance.safe following distance.

Entrance Ramp on LeftEntrance Ramp on Left Some expressway entrance ramps are located on Some expressway entrance ramps are located on

the left of the expressway.the left of the expressway. Since this lane is usually used for high-speed traffic, Since this lane is usually used for high-speed traffic,

the potential for conflict is greater than when you the potential for conflict is greater than when you enter from the right.enter from the right.

Entrance Ramp on LeftEntrance Ramp on Left

Strategies for Driving on Strategies for Driving on Expressways Expressways

Once you are on the expressway, stay Once you are on the expressway, stay alert as you adjust to the constantly alert as you adjust to the constantly changing traffic scene. Use your IPDE changing traffic scene. Use your IPDE Process continually.Process continually.

Strategies for Driving on Strategies for Driving on ExpresswaysExpressways

Signs, Signals, and Roadway MarkingsSigns, Signals, and Roadway Markings You are better able to maintain a safe path and You are better able to maintain a safe path and

avoid making sudden last-second decisions if:avoid making sudden last-second decisions if: Know your destinationKnow your destination Read signs and roadway markingsRead signs and roadway markings Always think aheadAlways think ahead

Several overhead signs are posted at the same Several overhead signs are posted at the same place. Scan the signs quickly to get the information place. Scan the signs quickly to get the information you need to continue in a safe path.you need to continue in a safe path.

Some overhead signs tell you if lanes are open or Some overhead signs tell you if lanes are open or closed to traffic. A green arrow means that the lane closed to traffic. A green arrow means that the lane is open for traffic. A yellow X over your lane warns is open for traffic. A yellow X over your lane warns you that the lane will be closed ahead.you that the lane will be closed ahead.

A red X farther ahead indicates that the lane is A red X farther ahead indicates that the lane is already closed.already closed.

Strategies for Driving on Strategies for Driving on ExpresswaysExpressways

Travel at about the same speed as other Travel at about the same speed as other vehiclesvehicles

Conform to posted minimum and Conform to posted minimum and maximum speed limitsmaximum speed limits

Have your headlights on at all times so Have your headlights on at all times so that you are more visible to other driversthat you are more visible to other drivers

Expressway Strategies Expressway Strategies for Short Distances for Short Distances

Have a travel planHave a travel plan Know the name, route or number for both Know the name, route or number for both

entrance and exit ramps you will useentrance and exit ramps you will use

Express Strategies for Express Strategies for Long DistancesLong Distances

Plan stops for food, fuel, and restPlan stops for food, fuel, and rest Make every effort to stay alert, use the Make every effort to stay alert, use the

IPDE Process constantly and be aware IPDE Process constantly and be aware of traffic conditions in all your zones at of traffic conditions in all your zones at all.all.

When Should the 3-When Should the 3-Second Rule Be Second Rule Be Increased?Increased?

Following a large vehicle Following a large vehicle that is blocking your that is blocking your visionvision

Following a motorcyclistFollowing a motorcyclist Driving in bad weather Driving in bad weather

or roadway conditionsor roadway conditions Driving in heavy trafficDriving in heavy traffic

Being TailgatedBeing Tailgated Driving a heavy vehicle Driving a heavy vehicle

or pulling a traileror pulling a trailer Operating a motorcycleOperating a motorcycle Entering or Exiting an Entering or Exiting an

expresswayexpressway

Remember you are Traveling at Higher Speeds!

Lane ChangingLane Changing

Change lanes one at a timeChange lanes one at a time Check traffic in outside and rearview mirrors as Check traffic in outside and rearview mirrors as

well as blind spotwell as blind spot If your path is clear, accelerate gently and If your path is clear, accelerate gently and

move to the next lanemove to the next lane Cancel your signal once you have changed Cancel your signal once you have changed

laneslanes

Exiting the ExpresswayExiting the Expressway

Look of the Green guide sign Look of the Green guide sign and about half a mile from the and about half a mile from the exit, signal and be in the lane exit, signal and be in the lane closest to the exitclosest to the exit

Exiting ExpresswaysExiting Expressways Exiting expressways safely requires skill and planning, plan you Exiting expressways safely requires skill and planning, plan you

exit as early as possible.exit as early as possible. Deceleration LaneDeceleration Lane – a lane in which you slow your vehicle – a lane in which you slow your vehicle

without blocking lane behind you.without blocking lane behind you. Exit RampExit Ramp – this is the ramp leading off the expressway. – this is the ramp leading off the expressway. Never stop or back up if you go past your exit.Never stop or back up if you go past your exit.

Possible Exiting ProblemsPossible Exiting Problems Crossing PathsCrossing Paths – lane is – lane is

used for both and entrance used for both and entrance and an exit.and an exit.

Ramp OverflowRamp Overflow – traffic – traffic backed up from exit ramp backed up from exit ramp onto the expressway.onto the expressway.

This is unsafe and illegal, go This is unsafe and illegal, go to the next exit.to the next exit.

Short Deceleration LaneShort Deceleration Lane – – slow more quickly, identify slow more quickly, identify ramp speed, and check rear ramp speed, and check rear zones.zones.

Highway HypnosisHighway Hypnosis

What is Highway Hypnosis?What is Highway Hypnosis? When you have been driving for a long When you have been driving for a long

period of time you may be lulled into an period of time you may be lulled into an inattentive, drowsy stateinattentive, drowsy state

More than 100,000 collisions in the US each More than 100,000 collisions in the US each year are caused by sleepinessyear are caused by sleepiness

VelocitationVelocitation

What is Velocitation?What is Velocitation? Velocitation occurs when hours of driving Velocitation occurs when hours of driving

fools you into thinking your vehicle is fools you into thinking your vehicle is traveling slower than it really is. You might traveling slower than it really is. You might then unconsciously drive too fast.then unconsciously drive too fast.

PassingPassing

StepsSteps Check traffic to the front and Check traffic to the front and

rear.rear. Signal your lane change.Signal your lane change. Check blind spot before you Check blind spot before you

change lanes.change lanes. Use same procedure for Use same procedure for

returning to lane.returning to lane. Make sure that you can see Make sure that you can see

the entire front end of the the entire front end of the vehicle before you return to vehicle before you return to the original lane.the original lane.

If Your Vehicle Becomes If Your Vehicle Becomes Disabled Disabled

1.1. Check rear zones and signal. Pull as far Check rear zones and signal. Pull as far as possible onto the shoulder or the as possible onto the shoulder or the median.median.

2.2. Turn on your hazard lights. If the Turn on your hazard lights. If the vehicle is not very far off the road, get vehicle is not very far off the road, get everyone out and away from the everyone out and away from the vehicle.vehicle.

Disabled VehicleDisabled Vehicle

3) When it is safe to do so, raise the hood and tie 3) When it is safe to do so, raise the hood and tie a white cloth to the antenna or door handle. If a white cloth to the antenna or door handle. If you have a cell phone, call for help.you have a cell phone, call for help.

4) If you have emergency flares or reflectors, set 4) If you have emergency flares or reflectors, set them out at least 500 feet behind your vehicle them out at least 500 feet behind your vehicle when it is safe to do so.when it is safe to do so.

Disabled VehicleDisabled Vehicle

5) Get back into your vehicle and lock all 5) Get back into your vehicle and lock all doors. Ask anyone who stops to assist doors. Ask anyone who stops to assist you to go to a phone and call for help. you to go to a phone and call for help. Never get into a stranger’s vehicle.Never get into a stranger’s vehicle.

6) Do not stand in the expressway to direct 6) Do not stand in the expressway to direct traffictraffic

Special Expressway Special Expressway ProblemsProblems

Fall-Asleep CollisionsFall-Asleep Collisions More than 100,000 collisions in the United States each More than 100,000 collisions in the United States each

year are caused by sleepiness. Fall-asleep collisions year are caused by sleepiness. Fall-asleep collisions are twice as likely to involve fatalities as other types of are twice as likely to involve fatalities as other types of collisions.collisions.

Drivers who fail to recognize their own fatigue and Drivers who fail to recognize their own fatigue and sleepiness, or even ignore it, pose a high-risk threat to sleepiness, or even ignore it, pose a high-risk threat to themselves and to others on the roadway.themselves and to others on the roadway.

Special Expressway Special Expressway ProblemsProblems

Using Expressways SafelyUsing Expressways Safely Three key factors contribute to safe driving on Three key factors contribute to safe driving on

expressways:expressways: Cooperation among driversCooperation among drivers Concentration on the driving task Concentration on the driving task Use of the IPDE ProcessUse of the IPDE Process