Chapter 16: Driving on Expressways

1. Chapter 16: Driving on Expressways • START WORKING ON THE QUESTIONS ON PAGES 343, 363, 381 • Chap.15 answers, 1.c,2.d,3.b,4.c,5.d,6.a,7.d

2. Chapter 16: Driving on Expressways • 11.1 - Characteristics of Expressway Driving • 11.2 – Entering an Expressway • 11.3 – Strategies for Driving on Expressways • 11.4 – Exiting Expressways • 11.5 – Special Expressway Problems

3. Characteristics of Expressway Driving • An Expressway is a limited-access or controlled-access highway • Vehicles can enter and leave expressways only at interchanges • Expressways include: • Interstates (I-24) • Freeways • Turnpikes • Toll Roads • Parkways • Some Beltways

4. Characteristics of Expressway Driving • Five Main Reasons for Fewer Collisions • Cross traffic is limited • Have a median or barrier between opposing lanes • Pedestrians, non-motorized vehicles, and slow moving vehicles are not permitted • Wide shoulders and extra wide underpasses provide good escape paths • Expressway signs are designed to help drivers anticipate conditions well ahead

5. Characteristics of Expressway Driving Expressway Interchanges • Interchanges are places where drivers can cross over or under as well as enter or leave the expressway • Cloverleaf Interchange • This type of interchange enables drivers to proceed in either direction on either highway

6. Characteristics of Expressway Driving • Diamond Interchange • This type of interchange is used when a road that has little traffic crosses a busy expressway • Left turns by exiting traffic can be made easily on the less busy road

7. Characteristics of Expressway Driving • Trumpet Interchange • Is used when a side road forms a T intersection with an expressway • All-Directional Interchange • Is used in complicated intersections with high-volume-traffic (Spider)

8. Characteristics of Expressway Driving Safe Driving Strategies • Although fewer collisions occur on expressways, they are usually more serious because of speed • Use the following to help you become a safe expressway driver • Prepare Yourself and Your Vehicle • Have a travel plan and know your route • Keep your vehicle maintained • Build Experience Gradually • Once you develop self-confidence, you will be bettered prepared to drive in heavier traffic • Concentrate on the Driving Task • Give full attention to the driving task and do not allow yourself to become complacent • Cooperate with Other Drivers

9. Entering An Expressway Expressway Entrances • Most expressway entrances have three parts • The entrance ramp gives you time to evaluate zone conditions and speed to enter the expressway • The acceleration lane is usually long enough for you to search for a gap in which to merge and accelerate to the speed of traffic • The merging area is where vehicles blend into the expressway traffic

10. Entering An Expressway Follow these steps to enter an expressway smoothly and safely: • Make sure the entrance is the one you want. Look for red and white DO NOT ENTER sign • Signal and take a quick glance through your left outside rearview mirror and over your left shoulder to find a gap in traffic where you can safely merge

11. Entering An Expressway • In the acceleration lane, gradually increase your speed. 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 traffic • As you enter the merging lane, adjust your speed to match traffic flow, merge smoothly • Once on the expressway, cancel your signal and adjust to the speed of traffic

12. Entering An Expressway

13. Entering An Expressway • Entrance Ramp Problems • If you make an error and enter the wrong entrance ramp, continue onto the next expressway. Drive to the next exit. Never back up on an entrance ramp or on an expressway. • Begin looking immediately for a gap in traffic if the entrance ramp is short or there is no acceleration lane. • If you have closed front zone, reduce your speed to give the vehicle in front more time to find a gap.

14. Entering An Expressway • Entrance Ramp Signal Lights • Some entrance ramps have signals lights to regulate traffic entering the expressway. The lights are usually red and green. • You must wait for the green light before entering the expressway, as the picture shows.

15. Entrance Ramp on Left

17. Strategies for Driving on Expressways • Once you are on the expressway, stay alert as you adjust to the constantly changing traffic scene. Use your IPDE Process continually.

18. Strategies for Driving on Expressways • Signs, Signals, and Roadway Markings • You are better able to maintain a safe path and avoid making sudden last-second decisions if: • Know your destination • Read signs and roadway markings • Always think ahead

19. Strategies for Driving on Expressways • Several overhead signs are posted at the same place. Scan the signs quickly to get the information you need to continue in a safe path. • Some overhead signs tell you if lanes are open or closed to traffic. A green arrow means that the lane is open for traffic. A yellow X over your lane warns you that the lane will be closed ahead. • A red X farther ahead indicates that the lane is already closed.

20. Strategies for Driving on Expressways Travel at about the same speed as other vehicles Conform to posted minimum and maximum speed limits Have your headlights on at all times so that you are more visible to other drivers

21. Express Strategies for Long Distances Have a travel plan Know the name, route or number for both entrance and exit ramps you will use Plan stops for food, fuel, and rest Make every effort to stay alert, use the IPDE Process constantly and be aware of traffic conditions in all your zones at all.

22. When Should the 3-Second Rule Be Increased? Following a large vehicle that is blocking your vision Following a motorcyclist Driving in bad weather or roadway conditions Driving in heavy traffic Being Tailgated Driving a heavy vehicle or pulling a trailer Operating a motorcycle Entering or Exiting an expressway

23. Lane Changing Change lanes one at a time Check traffic in outside and rearview mirrors as well as blind spot If your path is clear, accelerate gently and move to the next lane Cancel your signal once you have changed lanes

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

25. Exiting Expressways • Exiting expressways safely requires skill and planning, plan you exit as early as possible. • Deceleration Lane – a lane in which you slow your vehicle without blocking lane behind you. • Exit Ramp – this is the ramp leading off the expressway. • Never stop or back up if you go past your exit.

27. Possible Exiting Problems • Crossing Paths – lane is used for both and entrance and an exit. • Ramp Overflow – traffic backed up from exit ramp onto the expressway. • This is unsafe and illegal, go to the next exit. • Short Deceleration Lane – slow more quickly, identify ramp speed, and check rear zones.

28. Highway Hypnosis What is Highway Hypnosis? When you have been driving for a long period of time you may be lulled into an inattentive, drowsy state More than 100,000 collisions in the US each year are caused by sleepiness

29. Passing Steps • Check traffic to the front and rear. • Signal your lane change. • Check blind spot before you change lanes. • Use same procedure for returning to lane. • Make sure that you can see the entire front end of the vehicle before you return to the original lane.

30. If Your Vehicle Becomes Disabled Check rear zones and signal. Pull as far as possible onto the shoulder or the median. Turn on your hazard lights. If the vehicle is not very far off the road, get everyone out and away from the vehicle. When it is safe to do so, raise the hood and tie a white cloth to the antenna or door handle. If you have a cell phone, call for help.

31. If you have emergency flares or reflectors, set them out at least 500 feet behind your vehicle when it is safe to do so. Get back into your vehicle and lock all doors. Ask anyone who stops to assist you to go to a phone and call for help. Never get into a stranger’s vehicle. Do not stand in the expressway to direct traffic If Your Vehicle Becomes Disabled

32. Strategies for Driving on Expressways • Wolf Packs • A responsible driver tries to avoid bunches of vehicles known as wolf packs. Reduce your chances of being involved in a conflict by being a “loner” on the expressway. • When you travel in the middle of a pack, all zones may be closed. Adjust your speed to avoid wolf packs.

33. Special Expressway Problems Fall-Asleep Collisions • More than 100,000 collisions in the United States each year are caused by sleepiness. Fall-asleep collisions are twice as likely to involve fatalities as other types of collisions. • Drivers who fail to recognize their own fatigue and sleepiness, or even ignore it, pose a high-risk threat to themselves and to others on the roadway.

34. Special Expressway Problems Using Expressways Safely • Three key factors contribute to safe driving on expressways: • Cooperation among drivers • Concentration on the driving task • Use of the IPDE Process