Expressways Through Cities
Expressways in urban areas may have a significant increase in traffic.
Speeds may slow, and you may be stuck in stop-and-go traffic
Drive in the left or center lane, in order to avoid conflicts with merging vehiclesDisabled Vehicles
If you encounter a disabled vehicle, reduce your speed and keep a safe distance.
If your vehicle is disabled:
pull off to the side
turn on your emergency blinkers
raise the hood of your vehicle to indicate your need for assistance
stay in the vehicle and lock your doors
do not get into a vehicle with a strangerConstruction
Reduce your speed when you see warnings of upcoming construction
Maintain safe space around your vehicle.Tollbooths
On toll roads, you may need to pay a toll in order to drive on the roadway.
As you near the tollbooth, reduce your speed as early as possible to account for traffic backups Look for signs indicating where you should go.
There may be designated lanes for special vehicles (multi axel vehicles, towing vehicles)
Cooperate with other vehicles who may need to change lanes, in order to enter the correct line.Entrance Lane on Left
Some freeways may have an entrance lane on the left.
This may increase the potential for conflict.
Once you enter the expressway, change lanes to the right. You may need to change lanes more than once.Weave Lanes
When an entrance and exit use the same lane, this is called a weave lane.
Traffic complications can be increased by weave lanes.
Adjust your speed and be prepared when planning your entrance/exit.
Drivers entering the expressway should yield to those leaving the expressway.Entering Directly onto the Freeway
When there is no acceleration lane, you must check traffic ahead of you and adjust your speed while on the access ramp.
You may need to increase your speed quicker than usual, in order to merge into traffic.Diamond Lanes
A white diamond symbolizes a reserved lane.
Signs indicate which vehicles may be in this lane.
Double yellow lines designate when a vehicle may enter or exit the diamond lane.
You may not drive in this lane if your vehicle does not qualify.High Speed Considerations
High speeds may cause dangers and risks. It is important to use SIDPE in order to stay safe and reduce your risk.
Potential Existing Problems
weave lane conflicts
traffic stopped on exit ramps
short deceleration lane
very slow ramp speedsOn the roadway, you may not:
drive over the median, solid yellow line, or dividing area
make a left turn or U-turn
change lanes without turning on your signal
use the left turn lane (except passing)
entering the expressway without using the ramp
parking on the expressway, unless designated
parking on the shoulder
back up up on the expresswayVelocitation
Velocitation causes you to feel that you are not driving as fast as you are. This occurs after an extended period of time spent driving at high speeds.
Check your speed on a regular basis, in order to avoid speed increase.
When you exit the expressway, ensure that you check your speed regularly, until you have had time to adjust to the slower speed.Highway Hypnosis
Driving for long distances can cause a driver to become relaxed and inattentive.
There is an increased risk for falling asleep in these situations, especially at nightTo avoid drowsiness:
Set your vehicle temperature lower (turn on the air conditioning)
Ensure that you have slept well, prior to driving long distances
Take regular breaks to eat, walk, stretch
Scan the road and constantly check your mirrors
Move your body from time to time
Talk to other passengers, listen to different radio stations
Do not eat big or heavy meals, as this can cause increased tiredness
If you are tired, you must stop and rest or change drivers in order to remain safe.Re-Entering the Expressway
To re-enter the expressway, remember that you are starting from a stopped position
Turn on your turn signal, in order to warn drivers of your intent to merge.
Check around you for danger.
Check the traffic and try to find a large gap for you to merge into.
When you have a clear space, accelerate on the shoulder to match the speed of the traffic beside you
If you see another driver attempting to merge from a stopped position, try to make space or change lanes in order to help them re-enter traffic.Tips for Long Trips on Multi-Lane Roadways:
Perform a thorough safety check on your vehicle
Plan ahead (route, time, stops, food)
Check for delays or other traffic problems
Take a map or a GPS for navigation
Take along extra money or credit cards for emergencies.
Bring your medications
Take an extra set of keys as a backup.
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