Ch Driving on Expressways. Characteristics of Expressway Driving. Expressway. Types of Expressways. Why do they have fewer collisions?

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1 Ch 11 Driving on Expressways 11.1 Characteristics of Expressway Driving Expressway Is a limited-access or controlled-access highway. Types of Expressways Interstate highways Freeways Parkways * Most of these terms are used interchangeably Why do they have fewer collisions? 1. Cross traffic is 2. Have a or to prevent head-on collisions 3. Pedestrians, no motorized vehicles, & slow moving vehicles are. 4. Wide shoulders and extra-wide underpasses for good paths. 5. The are designed to help drivers conditions well ahead. Safe Driving Strategies & things to think about Collisions are usually on expressways. You should travel at about the same speed as others Too fast? Too slow? Always prepare for your trip! know route #, your entrance and exit # Plan stops for food, fuel, and rest 1

2 Safe Driving Strategies & things to think about continued Make every effort to stay Keep vehicle in condition Build Cooperate with other drivers ROAD RAGE!!! 11.2 Entering an Expressway 3 parts of expressway entrances Entering an expressway 1. Make sure it is the proper 2. Signal left and check over your shoulder to find a gap in traffic. 3. Once in acceleration lane, gradually your speed while glancing over your left shoulder. 4. In the merging area adjust speed to match the traffic flow & position your vehicle at a safe interval behind the car you plan to follow and merge smoothly. 5. When on expressway, your signal and adjust to the speed of traffic. Entrance Ramp Problems Short entrance ramps, short acceleration lanes, and high dividing walls. If you choose the wrong entrance ramp back up on to an entrance or exit ramp. Some ramps you are very close to the merge area before you can see the expressway ( your speed) 2

3 11.3 Strategies for Driving on Expressways Lane Choice Right lane is for, and Left is for Avoid driving between 2 vehicles Trucks typically are allowed to drive in the left lane Signs, Signals, & Roadway Markings Part of your lane choice is based on information from expressway signs, signals and roadway markings. Some have express lanes that have few entrances and exits to ease the flow of traffic Go to page 231 Wolf Pack Group of vehicles in a on an expressway Responsible drivers try to avoid them thus reducing their chances of conflicts. Adjust speed to avoid these wolf packs Following High speeds of expressway traffic demand that you maintain at least a second following distance Increase to or more seconds if: Following a large vehicle that is blocking your sight Following a motorcyclist Bad weather Being tailgated Driving a heavy vehicles Blind Spots Don t t forget about them! Try to of other vehicles blind spots! 3

4 Lane Changing Avoid changing lanes too Unnecessary weaving from one lane to another can lead to a Passing and Being Passed Is usually on expressways then on a 2-lane 2 road. If you are continually being passed on the right, move to the lane on your right when it is safe to do so Exiting Expressways Deceleration Lane Is an added lane in which to slow your vehicle without blocking the vehicles behind. Try not to until you are off the expressway and in the deceleration lane Exit Ramp Is the ramp off an expressway. Make sure you identify the ramp speed. Many lead to very sharp curves. * If you miss your exit go to the and turn around. back up!!! Steps for Exiting 1. At least mile before the exit start moving into the lane in which you will be exiting from. Change lane at a time!!! 2. Move into the deceleration lane 3. Slow down gradually 4. Identify ramp speed sign, and adjust to the posted speed limit. 4

5 Exiting Problems Someone may decide to get off last minutes and cut you off! Ramp over flow What to do? 11.5 Special Expressway Problems Short deceleration lane Drowsy or trancelike conditions caused by concentration on the roadway ahead and monotony of driving Fall-Asleep Collisions More than collisions in the United States each yeah are cause by sleepiness. Fall-asleep asleep collisions are as likely to involve fatalities as other types of collisions Expressways Through Cities Have exit and entrances ramps than rural expressways. More ramps merging traffic conflicts Know in advance where you want to exit Tollbooths Are located along many expressways. You stop at a tollbooth and pay a fee, or toll, for driving on that expressway. warn you of the tollbooths ahead and remind you to check your speed When approaching look for signs ahead warning you which ones are token, cash, EZ Pass, open, and or closed. 5

6 Types of Tollbooths Automatic Operated by an attendant Electronically Controlled-Access Highway Is a highway that vehicles can enter and exit only at interchanges. Entrance Ramp Gives you time to evaluate zone conditions and determine the best speed as you prepare to enter the expressway Acceleration lane Is usually long enough for you to search for a gap in which to merge and accelerate to the speed of traffic. Merging Area Is the 3 rd part of an expressway entrance where vehicles blend into the expressway traffic. 6