Special Situations

Topic Progress:

  • 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 vehicles

  • Disabled 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 stranger

  • Construction

    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 speeds

    On 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 expressway

  • Velocitation

    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 night

  • To 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.