Driving on Expressways

1
Chapter 11

• Driving on Expressways

2
Chapter 11 Overview

• Chapter 11 discusses steps for entering, driving
  on, and exiting expressways. You will also learn
  about special problems encountered on expressways.

3
11.1 Characteristics of Expressway Driving

• This section will introduce you to the
  characteristics of expressway driving. The
  advantages of expressways as well as the physical
  characteristics of expressway interchanges are
  also introduced. Strategies for safe driving on
  expressways are included.
• Section 1 Objectives Following this section, I
  will be able to
• 1. List five reasons why expressways have lower
  collision rates than other highways.
• 2. Describe four different types of expressway
  interchanges.
• 3. List strategies for low-risk driving on
  expressways.

4
11.1 Vocabulary

• At the conclusion of this section, I will be able
  to define
• 1. controlled-access highway

5
11.1 Characteristics of Expressway Driving

• An expressway is a controlled-access highway.
  Vehicles can enter and leave expressways only at
  interchanges.
• Expressways include interstate highways,
  freeways, turnpikes, toll roads, parkways, and
  some beltways.

6
Advantages of Expressways

• Designed for low-risk higher-speed travel.
• You are safer on expressways than on other
  highways.
• 5 main reasons for fewer collisions on
  expressways
• 1. cross traffic is eliminated.
• 2. median or barrier between opposing lanes of
  traffic.
• 3. pedestrians, non-motorized vehicles, and SMVs
  are not permitted on most expressways.
• 4. wide shoulders and extra-wide underpasses
  provide good escape paths.
• 5. signs are designed to help drivers
  anticipate conditions well ahead of time to make
  a decision.

7
Expressway Interchanges

• Four major types of interchanges (see pictures on
  pp. 222 223).
• 1. Cloverleaf Interchange- looks like a
  four-leaf clover (this allows for left turns)
  with a diamond (this allows right turns to be
  made) picture on p. 222. Drivers can proceed
  in either direction on either highway.
• 2. Diamond interchange- a road with little
  traffic crosses a busy expressway (think of
  highways 109 and 100). Cloverleaf is not needed
  as left turns can be made on less busy road with
  out too much trouble (see picture on p. 223).

8
Expressway Interchanges

• Trumpet Interchange- is used where a side road
  forms a T intersection with an expressway. This
  design is used when there are only two
  directional choices rather than three from each
  direction. (see picture on p. 223).
• All-Directional Interchange- is used in
  complicated intersections with high-volume
  traffic. Traffic is channeled in many different
  directions (see picture on p. 223).

9
Safe Driving Strategies

• Although expressways have advantages over other
  types of roadways, collisions on expressways are
  often more serious.
• Travel at about the same speed as other vehicles
  without exceeding the speed limit. Driving too
  fast or too slow can be a traffic hazard.
• Follow the maximum and minimum posted speed
  limits. Drive with your headlights on so that
  you will be more easily seen.

10
Prepare Yourself and Your Vehicle

• Have a plan for your trip. Know the name,
  route, or number for both the entrance and exit
  you will use.
• Plan stops for rest, food, and fuel.
• Use IPDE Process and be aware of conditions in
  your zones at all times.
• Keep your vehicle in top condition to guard
  against mechanical failure.

11
Build Experience Gradually

• Choose a time to practice when traffic is light.
• Practice entering and exiting several times
  before trying heavier traffic.
• When traffic is light, practice lane changes even
  if there are no vehicle to pass.
• Experience will help you be better prepared for
  heavier traffic.

12
Concentrate on the Driving Task

• Traffic conflicts can develop more rapidly at
  higher speeds and on multilane expressways.
• Give full attention to the driving task.
• Do not become complacent. Expressway driving can
  present a high degree of risk.

13
Cooperate with Other Drivers

• Resist the urge to challenge other drivers for
  any reason.
• Road rage, an extreme act of aggression, can be a
  contributing factor toward major conflicts in
  high-speed expressway traffic.
• React cautiously, not aggressively, to
  challenging driving situations

14
Review It

• 1. What are the five reasons why fewer
  collisions occur on expressways than on other
  types of roadways?
• 2. What are four different types of expressway
  interchanges?
• 3. Explain what strategies you can use to become
  a low-risk driver on expressways.

15
11.2 Entering an Expressway

• This section focuses on entering expressways. It
  also addresses possible entrance problems.
• Section 2 Objectives Following this section, I
  will be able to
• 1. Explain how to enter and expressway properly.
• 2. Describe four possible entrance problems.
• 3. Explain why entering and expressway from the
  left is more hazardous than entering from the
  right.

16
11.2 Vocabulary

• At the conclusion of this section, I will be able
  to define
• 1. acceleration lane
• 2. entrance ramp
• 3. merging area

17
11.2 Entering an Expressway

• Make sure you are entering the expressway using
  the correct ramp.
• Most expressway entrances have three parts (see
  diagram on p. 225)
• 1. entrance ramp-
• 2. acceleration lane-
• 3. merging area-

18
Steps for Entering an Expressway

• 1. Make sure the entrance is the one you want.
  Check the signs.
• 2. Check your front and rear zones, signal,
  check your rearview mirrors and over your left
  shoulder to find a gap in the traffic where you
  can safely merge. Check for signal lights on the
  entrance ramp.
• 3. Once in the acceleration lane, gradually
  increase your speed. Continue looking in your
  rearview mirrors and over your shoulder while
  determining when it is safe to merge into the gap
  in traffic.

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Steps for Entering an Expressway

• 4. Before merging, decide which vehicle you are
  going to follow in the flow of the expressway
  traffic. Adjust your speed to match the traffic
  flow as you enter the merging area. Position
  your vehicle to merge smoothly.
• 5. Once onto the expressway, cancel your signal
  and adjust to the speed of traffic. Maintain a
  safe space cushion.

20
Possible Entrance Problems

• If you make an error and enter the wrong entrance
  ramp, continue onto the expressway. Drive to the
  next exit. Never back up on an entrance ramp or
  on and expressway.
• Other vehicles on entrance ramp-
• Short entrance ramp or no acceleration lane-
• Line of sight restrictions-

21
Entrance Ramp Signal Lights

• Some ramps have signal lights to help space the
  traffic entering the expressway.
• Lights are usually red and green.
• Timing of light is determined electronically by
  the volume of traffic.
• Must have a green light to enter the expressway.

22
Acceleration Lane Problems

• Certain time periods are more difficult to enter
  an expressway than others.
• Acceleration lanes may be short making spacing
  and merging more difficult.
• Try to enter the expressway without stopping. If
  you must stop
• 1. flash your brake lights
• 2. pull onto the shoulder at the end of the
  acceleration lane or merge area
• 3. wait for a large, safe gap. Signal and
  accelerate quickly to join the flow of traffic.

23
Merging Area Problems

• Adjusting your speed is critical to timing a
  smooth entrance into traffic.
• A closed front zone may cause you to reduce your
  speed.
• Once on the expressway, accelerate as you
  establish a safe following distance.

24
Entrance Ramp on Left

• A few ramps will have you enter traffic from the
  left.
• This is more dangerous than entering from the
  right as you are entering into the fast lane of
  traffic.
• Check your rearview mirrors and over your right
  shoulder for blind spots. Your view may be
  obstructed due to head restraints and roof
  supports. It may be more difficult to see a
  small car or a motorcyclist.
• Signal, look for a gap, accelerate and merge into
  the traffic lane.

25
Review It

• 1. What are the proper steps for entering an
  expressway?
• 2. What problems could make entering an
  expressway difficult?
• 3. Why is the chance for conflict greater when
  entering an expressway from the left than from
  the right?

26
11.3 Strategies for Driving on Expressways

• This section focuses on strategies for driving on
  expressways. Use of the IPDE Process is
  emphasized.
• Section 3 Objectives Following this section, I
  will be able to
• 1. Explain how to use the IPDE Process to
  achieve a safe path of travel.
• 2. Describe when following distances should be
  increased for expressway driving.
• 3. Tell what actions to take when you are being
  tailgated.
• 4. Describe three actions that should be
  automatic when you are changing lanes on an
  expressway.

27
11.3 Vocabulary

• At the conclusion of this section, I will be able
  to define
• 5. common speed
• 6. wolf pack

28
Applying the IPDE Process

• Stay alert on the expressway as you adjust to the
  changing traffic scene.
• Identify- volume of traffic, signs, signals,
  roadway markings, zones (try not to get trapped
  between two larger vehicles as in picture on
  p.229), and driver inattention.
• Predict- a predictable traffic flow on an
  expressway is a safety feature, however, watch
  well ahead for traffic that is slowing down, for
  zones that are closed, and/or vehicles entering
  the expressway, etc.

29
Applying the IPDE Process

• Decide- higher speeds make driver decisions more
  difficult yet it demands that you make quicker
  decisions.
• Execute- avoid sudden moves and execute your
  decisions smoothly, signal early, and maintain a
  safe following distance.

30
Lane Choice

• Decide which lane is the best lane to drive in.
• Generally, the right lane is safer to drive in
  and the left lane is used to pass.
• Center and left lanes are used by faster moving
  vehicles and drivers who are passing.
• The right lane may have heavy traffic during rush
  hours as drivers try to merge onto the expressway.

31
Lane Selection

• Each lane of the expressway presents a certain
  amount of stress for drivers. Driving in the
  left lane is the most stressful of all lanes.
  This is where aggressive, competitive tailgaters
  are most likely to be found. Driving in the
  right lane has the least amount of stress from
  rear traffic, but the most stress from vehicles
  exiting and entering the highway. Because
  restrictions prevent trucks from driving in the
  left lane of certain roadways, the middle lane
  becomes their passing lane.

32
Signs, Signals, and Roadway Markings

• Part of your decision with regard to which lane
  to use can be determined from expressway signs,
  signals, and roadway markings.
• Know your destination, read the signs and roadway
  markings, and always think ahead.
• Scan the expressway signs quickly to get the
  information that you need.

33
Speed Limits

• Most states have posted maximum speed limits
  (some do not)
• Minimum speed limit- the slowest you can legally
  drive under ideal conditions
• If no speed limit is posted, follow the basic
  speed law (drive at a speed that is safe and
  prudent for the weather and roadway conditions).
• Common speed- the speed used by most drivers.
  It will help you blend in better. Resist the
  temptation to keep up with the faster drivers.
• Wolf packs- bunches of vehicles being driven
  together on the expressway which may make it
  difficult to see or to keep your zones open.

34
Following

• Applying the 3-second following distance rule on
  the expressway is a safe plan under ideal
  conditions. This leaves you with good sight
  distance along with time and space to react.
• Increase your following distance when you are
• 1. following a large vehicle that is blocking
  your vision
• 2. following a motorcyclist
• 3. driving in bad weather or road conditions
• 4. driving in heavy traffic
• 5. being tailgated
• 6. pulling a trailer
• 7. operating a motorcycle
• 8. entering or exiting an expressway

35
Blind Spots

• Occur in both your right and left-rear zones.
  Check these often and be alert for other drivers
  who may be passing you.
• When behind a vehicle in the next lane, stay back
  far enough to not be in that drivers blind spot.
  Reduce your speed or accelerate in order to stay
  out of the blind spot.

36
Being Followed

• Being followed too closely can be a dangerous
  situation.
• Encourage tailgaters to pass by gradually
  reducing your speed. Do not reduce your speed
  if heavy traffic prevents the tailgater from
  passing.
• If driver continues to tailgate, change lanes
  when it is safe to do so. Frequently check rear
  zones to stay aware of tailgaters.

37
Lane Changing

• Keep lane changing to a minimum as unnecessary
  weaving may cause a collision. Follow these
  steps in changing lanes on the expressway
• 1. Change one lane at a time. Signal every lane
  change.
• 2. Check inside and outside rearview mirrors and
  the blind spot area in the direction that you
  want to go.
• 3. If path is clear, accelerate gently and move
  to the next lane.
• 4. Cancel signal after changing lanes.

38
Lane Changing

• Lane changing is more complicated when there are
  several lanes involved.
• A potential conflict is created when two drivers
  want the same space at the same time.
• Lane changes may be necessary where traffic is
  merging onto the expressway.
• It is both illegal and hazardous to use the
  shoulder or median as a driving lane when traffic
  is backed up.

39
Passing and Being Passed

• Passing on the left is common on expressways.
  However, passing on the right id permitted if a
  slower driver is in the left lane.
• Be aware of the position of the vehicle passing
  you. Check for zones that are open and closed.
  Keep your speed steady.
• If you are continually being passed on the right,
  move to the lane on your right when it is safe to
  do so.
• You are in a potentially dangerous position if
  you are being passed on both the right and left.
  Move to the right lane and blend in with the flow
  of traffic.

40
Review It

• 1. How can using the IPDE Process help you
  maintain a safe path of travel on expressways?
• 2. When should following distances be increased
  for expressway driving?
• 3. What actions could you take when you are
  being tailgated?
• 4. What three actions should be automatic when
  changing lanes to pass on an expressway?

41
11.4 Exiting Expressways

• This section focuses on exiting expressways
  properly. It also addresses possible exit
  problems.
• Section 4 Objectives Following this section, I
  will be able to
• 1. Explain how to apply the IPDE Process to exit
  and expressway.
• 2. List the steps for exiting an expressway.
• 3. Describe three possible exiting problems.

42
11.4 Vocabulary

• At the conclusion of this section, I will be able
  to define
• 7. deceleration lane
• 8. exit ramp

43
Exiting Expressways

• Leaving an expressway safely requires advanced
  planning and skill.
• Remember If you miss the exit you want, go on
  to the next exit. Never stop or back up if you
  go past your exit.
• Use the IPDE Process to plan your exit.

44
Steps for Exiting

• 1. Check front and rear zones at least ½ mile in
  advance of exit. Signal and move into correct
  lane for exit. Do not reduce your speed until
  you are in the deceleration lane.
• 2. Move into deceleration lane and cancel your
  signal.
• 3. Flash brakes lights to warn drivers you are
  slowing down. Check your rear zones. Slow
  gradually and keep a safe space cushion ahead and
  behind you.
• 4. Identify exit-ramp speed sign and adjust to
  posted speed. Predict a STOP or YILED sign at
  the end of the exit ramp

45
Possible Exiting Problems

• Crossing paths- ramp may be used for exiting and
  entering the expressway. Exiting traffic should
  merge behind entering traffic (see diagram on p.
  237).
• Ramp overflow- traffic is backed up on the exit
  ramp onto the expressway (go on to next exit
  check your rear zone and flash brake lights do
  not pull onto the shoulder see diagram on p.
  237).
• Short deceleration lane- will cause you to slow
  more quickly (check your rear zone and judge the
  lanes length identify the exit-ramp speed
  check speed while braking check your traffic in
  rear zone again).

46
Review It

• 1. How should you use the IPDE Process when
  planning an exit from an expressway?
• 2. What steps should you follow when exiting an
  expressway?
• 3. What are three possible exiting problems?

47
11.5 Special Expressway Problems

• This section focuses on problems one might
  encounter on expressways, including highway
  hypnosis and vehicle breakdowns. It also
  discusses factors that affect safe driving on
  expressways.
• Section 5 Objectives Following this section, I
  will be able to
• 1. Describe the cause of highway hypnosis and
  tell what actions to take to stay alert.
• 2. Explain what to do if your vehicle becomes
  disabled.
• 3. List three key factors that contribute to
  safe driving on expressways.

48
11.5 Vocabulary

• At the conclusion of this section, I will be able
  to define
• 9. highway hypnosis
• 10. velocitation

49
Driver Condition

• Driving for long periods of time can affect
  drivers.
• 1. Highway hypnosis- being lulled into an
  inattentive, drowsy state.
• 2. Fall-asleep collisions- more than 1000,000
  collisions are caused by this each year. All
  drivers are at risk of this happening.
• 3. Velocitation- condition of unconsciously
  driving too fast as a result of driving for long
  periods at high speeds

50
Roadway Conditions

• 1. Expressways through cities- usually have
  more exit and entrance ramps than rural areas.
  Use the IPDE Process.
• 2. Roadway repair- Be alert for repair zones.
  Watch for signs and speed limit signs. Reduce
  your speed and follow directions of construction
  workers. (Fines are often doubled for speeding
  in construction zones).
• Rural interstate highways- watch for highway
  hypnosis and velocitation. Try not to let larger
  vehicles tailgate you.

51
Roadway Conditions

• Tollbooths- you pay a fee (toll) for driving on
  that expressway. Look for green light to
  indicate open lane. Three types of toll booths
• 1. Automatic- driver deposits exact change
  (coins) into a machine
• 2. Attendant operated- for those who need to
  make change or for larger vehicles
• 3. Electronically operated- drivers pre-pay and
  get an electronic device. The electronic device
  automatically subtracts the toll charge from the
  prepaid account when driver goes through tollbooth

52
Roadway Conditions

• Approaching and stopping at a toll booth contains
  many risks. Look at the picture on 240, and
  identify some of the potential hazards at a
  tollbooth.
• Three key factors contribute to safe, low-risk
  driving on expressways
• 1. Cooperation among drivers.
• 2. Concentration on the driving task.
• 3. Use of the IPDE Process.

53
Disabled Vehicle

• If you encounter trouble with your vehicle and it
  becomes disabled, follow these steps
• 1. Check rear zones, signal, and pull as far as
  possible onto the shoulder or median.
• 2. Turn on hazard signals. Get everyone out of
  the car and away from traffic if the vehicle is
  not very far off of the road.
• 3. Raise the hood, tie a while cloth to the
  antenna or door handle. Call for help if you
  have a cell phone.
• 4. Use emergency flares or reflectors if you
  have them. Set them out 500 feet behind your
  vehicle.
• 5. Get back into your vehicle and lock the
  doors. Never get into a strangers vehicle. If
  someone stops to offer assistance, have them call
  to get help for you.
• 6. Do not stand in the expressway to direct
  traffic.

54
Review It

• 1. What are causes of highway hypnosis? What
  actions can you take to stay alert?
• 2. What should you do if your vehicle becomes
  disabled?
• 3. What are three key factors that can help you
  drive safely on expressways?