Chapter 11 Notes – Expressway driving
Advantages:
Cross traffic is eliminated – no intersections.
There is a median strip or barrier between opposing lanes.
Pedestrians and slow-moving vehicles are not allowed on most
expressways.
Safe design
Displayed warning information.
Strategies for safe driving on expressways:
Prepare yourself and your car.
Build experience gradually.
Concentrate on the driving task.
Cooperate with other drivers.
Expressway interchanges – Features:
Vehicles can cross over an expressway or under it.
Vehicles can enter or leave an expressway without interfering with the flow
of traffic.
Most common interchanges:
Cloverleaf
Diamond
Trumpet
Directional
Entering the Expressway
Entrance Problems: short entrance ramps, no acceleration lanes, no gap in traffic,
vehicle ahead stopping, and a high wall dividing the ramp and traffic.
Entrance Ramp – evaluate traffic
Acceleration Lane – adjust to expressway speed
Merging Area – move into expressway traffic.
Steps for entering the expressway:
1) Make sure it is the correct entrance ramp.
2) Be alert to vehicles ahead and behind. Check for gaps. Signal intentions.
3) In acceleration lane, adjust speed to the flow of traffic. Continue quick
glances and mirror checks.
4) Position your car at a safe interval behind the car you plan to follow.
Merge smoothly.
5) Once in expressway traffic, cancel signal. Adjust speed. Establish safe space
cushion.
Exiting the Expressway
Deceleration Lane – an added lane in which to slow down.
Exit Ramp – ramp leading off the expressway.
If you miss your exit, go on to the next exit. If you have selected the wrong
exit ramp – Continue to exit. DO NOT BACK UP!!
Exit Problems – vehicles crossing paths to exit and enter, ramp overflow, short
deceleration lanes.
Steps for exiting expressway –
1) At least ½ mile before the exit, move into the lane that leads to the
deceleration lane. Avoid last second decisions and sudden moves.
2) Move into deceleration lane – do not slow down until you are out of
expressway flow
3) Cancel signal. SLOWN DOWN
4) Check mirrors. Continue to slow. Adjust to proper ramp speed.
Be alert when entering traffic on local highways or streets after leaving an
expressway. Anticipate lower speed limits, two-way traffic, intersections, and
pedestrians.