Unit 14 - Driver's Ed - Complex Risks Environment

Pay attention to all signs, signals, and road markings: In addition to route and exit signs, you should also watch for indications that traffic lanes are merging, the speed limit is changing, or that a lane is reserved for certain drivers. Signal your intentions: Be sure to flash the appropriate turn signal when changing lanes. Flash your brake lights when you notice traffic slowing ahead.

Adjust your speed to weather conditions: Driving at high speeds when visibility or road traction is reduced by rain, snow, or fog is especially dangerous. Remember that posted speed limits are based on ideal conditions. Avoid driving too slowly: If you are driving slowly relative to other vehicles, you should drive in the right lane so you don't impede other drivers. Maintain a safe gap: A five-second gap is preferable on expressways. Increase the gap in front of your car if you are being tailgated and are unable to change lanes. Don't count on other drivers to do the right thing: Defensive driving requires that you anticipate and avoid potential problems yourself.

To allow vehicles to move from one road to another without crossing streams of traffic, highways and expressways frequently come together at multi-level junctions known as Interchanges.

Cloverleaf Interchange A cloverleaf interchange allows traffic to flow between two crossing expressways without having to stop or turn. It consists of eight ramps (four are looped and four are curved). The ramps require drivers to slow down to a safe speed. Reflector poles posted on the ramps help drivers navigate through the curves.

As you travel across an expressway, look out for tollbooth signs and reduce your speed early as you advance. Watch for traffic backed up at the booth so you can judge whether and when you will need to stop. An open toll booth will be identified by a green light or sign posted above the lane. Once you've passed through the tollbooth, search to your sides for a safe place to merge. Accelerate smoothly to rejoin the flow of traffic.

Exiting an expressway, like entering one, poses additional risks to drivers because it requires driving through multiple lanes of high-speed traffic and making speed adjustments rapidly. The need to exit an expressway should never come as a surprise. Even if you're driving on an unfamiliar road, guide signs posted around the expressway should provide plenty of warning before you arrive at your destination.

Pay attention to the actions of other drivers around you and move into another lane if you can reduce the risk of a collision by doing so. If another vehicle is following closely behind you, move to your right, into a slower lane. If another driver is trying to merge into your lane, move into another lane to give him or her more space, if possible.

Avoid weaving through lanes as it increases the risk of collisions and irritates other drivers on the expressway. In heavy traffic conditions, it can also create further congestion by slowing down other drivers. When you intend to leave the expressway, begin moving towards the exit lane well in advance. Never attempt to cross several lanes at the last minute. If you wait too long, remain on the expressway and exit at the next opportunity.

Drivers face increased risk when traveling on multiple-lane roadways because there are potential threats on all sides of them. As a result, a driver's attention must be divided between more areas of the roadway and there are many maneuvers he or she must be prepared to perform. You must be able to multitask effectively drive on a multi-lane roadway. Learn to adjust your speed and position appropriately so you can consistently and safely travel with the flow of traffic.

Maintain a safe space. Remember that the key to driving safely is maintaining the greatest amount of space around your vehicle wherever you drive. This will allow you to see more of the road in front of you and will also ensure that you can react quickly to dangers in your environment and stop safely if necessary.

The risks associated with changing lanes are increased on an expressway because more than one driver may seek to enter the same lane at the same time from different positions. When preparing to change lanes, check your mirrors and over your shoulders and make sure that the drivers around you aren't about to change lanes. At high speeds, vehicles to your rear can enter your blind spot very suddenly.

Always scan the expressway at least 10 to 15 seconds (about a quarter of a mile) ahead of your position so you can anticipate potential hazards and avoid last minute maneuvers. Remember the importance of shifting your gaze across several different visual ranges. On expressways, it's especially important to keep your eyes moving so you can spot hazards quickly, as you'll have less time to process and respond to a situation when driving at high speeds.

When preparing to turn right or left at an intersection, remember that you must: Scan the intersection and the area of the roadway you intend to enter for pedestrians, bicycles, and other vehicles. Move to the proper position for making a turn and activate your turn signal at least 100 ft before you reach the intersection. Proceed cautiously if your view is blocked.

Always yield to traffic in the intersection before proceeding to turn. Scan the intersection and your mirrors before you begin the maneuver. Make sure your turn signal is activated even if the lane is reserved for vehicles turning. When there is more than one turn lane, two vehicles may attempt to turn into the same lane at the same time. As you turn, check to make sure that other drivers aren't entering the same lane as you.

Move with the flow of traffic. Try to maintain the same speed as the vehicles around you. If you travel too fast or too slow, you'll encroach on other drivers' operating space and force them to adjust their position. Never tailgate or drive in another driver's blind spots. Avoid driving in bunches or packs so that you have a place to escape to in an emergency.

Anticipate lane blockages and select the lane with the fewest conflicts. A visual lead of one and a half blocks (20 to 30 seconds ahead) will help you identify the best lane to travel in. Look ahead to identify lane blockages well in advance so that you'll have enough time to make a lane change if necessary. If there's no gap to make a lane change, ask for permission by using your turn signal and making eye contact with another driver. Drivers are more likely to cooperate if you treat them courteously.

Expressway exits have two components: a deceleration lane and an exit ramp. Use the deceleration lane to reduce your speed to merge with slower traffic on the roadway. An EXIT ONLY lane becomes a deceleration lane when it splits from the expressway. The exit ramp connects the deceleration lane to the roadway. It may be curved, uphill, or downhill.

As you enter the deceleration lane, check your mirrors and over your shoulder for potential conflicts with other vehicles. Because a number of vehicles tend to leave the expressway at each exit, there may be multiple vehicles entering the lane at once, potentially in unsafe ways. Be sure you signal your intentions and change lanes smoothly as you enter the deceleration lane.

Frontage Road Interchange A frontage road is a secondary road that runs parallel to an expressway to allow dense flows of city traffic to mix efficiently with traffic on the expressway. At these interchanges, it's easy for a driver to get back on the expressway, in the same direction or the opposite direction, soon after exiting it.

Because it involves rapidly merging with traffic already moving at high speeds, entering an expressway can be especially difficult—and dangerous. For novice drivers, the prospect of joining such a fast-moving stream of traffic, often from a stopped position, can be a stressful one. Entering an expressway doesn't have to be difficult. As long as you pay attention, signal your intentions, adjust your speed appropriately, and maintain a safe space around your car, you should always be able to merge with high-speed traffic safely.

After you enter an expressway, move into the most appropriate lane as soon as you can and remain in that lane as long as possible. Due to the volume of other traffic and the speed with which you must make decisions, you'll face increased risk whenever you have to make a maneuver. The key to driving on the expressway is to keep up with the flow of traffic and maintain a safe space around your car. By doing so, you'll be better prepared to perform any necessary maneuvers.

Because there are no intersections on expressways, most maneuvers you'll perform will involve changing your lane position or moving between lanes. You may need to change lanes when: Entering or exiting the expressway Allowing a driver to enter your lane Following large or slow-moving vehicles Approaching an obstruction on the road ahead Passing another vehicle

Merge Area Immediately following the acceleration lane, the merge area is identified by a broken white line. It is in this area that you are allowed to change lanes to merge with expressway traffic. You may only attempt to merge over a broken white line. The triangular area between the acceleration lane and the roadway delineated by solid white lines is known as a Gore Area. Never drive in a gore area.

Before you enter an expressway, you must adjust your speed to match the flow of traffic. Once you're on the expressway, help other drivers merge with traffic by reducing your speed near expressway entrances. When you notice drivers trying to merge, slow down or move into an adjacent lane to give them a safe gap for merging.

Generally, deceleration lanes and exit ramps will have their own speed limits. Watch for yellow and black speed limit signs posted along the deceleration lane and reduce your speed appropriately. These speeds are intended to help you safely merge with slower traffic at the end of the ramp. On shorter deceleration lanes, you'll have to reduce your speed more quickly to exit the expressway safely.

Busy expressways may have multiple deceleration lanes to make sure the road doesn't become congested with vehicles attempting to exit. When more than one deceleration lane is available, drive in the lane on the right to avoid conflicts with other vehicles. Yield to drivers who seek to enter your lane from a deceleration lane to your left.

As we discussed in the last unit, Complex Risk Environments are places where traffic flow and volume can be heavy and unpredictable. Because of the need to deal with so many other road users, drivers can have a difficult time determining right-of-way and can be easily distracted by the amount of activity on the road. Because of the added difficulties associated with these driving environments, it's especially important that you drive defensively by paying attention to the roadway and anticipating potential driving risks.

Complex risk environments include intersections, multi-lane roads, and major expressways where speeds of up to 75 mph are permitted. In these environments, there is a constant need to monitor and communicate and deal with other road users and to split your attention between different driving tasks and the activity on the roadway. Even small driving errors can have large consequences, as any obstruction or interruption can affect dozens of drivers.

Expressways have many advantages, including: The capacity to carry larger volumes of traffic The ability to expedite travel The absence of cross traffic The use of a barrier to separate opposing lanes of traffic The fact that pedestrians and bicyclists are prohibited The use of design elements that help drivers anticipate upcoming conditions and avoid collisions with objects on the roadside

Despite the advantages of expressways, high-speed driving poses complex risks that you need to be aware of: Braking distances are longer Your field of vision is narrowed Highway hypnosis and velocitation often occur Two vehicles may attempt to move into the same lane simultaneously Vehicles may drive in a pack or cluster Speeding may leave you with insufficient following distance

Make your experience on an expressway easier by planning your trip. When you plan to drive in an unfamiliar place, map out your trip in advance. Even if you use an Internet mapping service or have a GPS system installed in your car, you should familiarize yourself with the route you'll be taking. Figure out what exit you'll be using so you know what to look for on expressway guide signs. Identify alternate exits in case your intended route is unavailable.

Determine how long you'll be driving and how much gas you'll need for your trip. If you're planning to be on the expressway for several hours or longer, make sure you identify the location of places you can stop to eat, rest, and refuel your car. If possible, time your trip in a way that allows you to avoid rush hour traffic. Expressways in urban areas tend to become especially congested during rush hours.

Expressway entrances include three areas: the entrance ramp (1), the acceleration lane (2), and the merge area (3). As you approach the expressway, evaluate the traffic conditions and look for a gap in traffic. Always yield the right-of-way to vehicles on the expressway.

Entrance Ramps Entrance ramps (also known as "on-ramps") deliver drivers to the acceleration lane and give them time to scan the road and determine their speed and space needs before entering the flow of traffic. These ramps may be uphill, downhill, or level with the expressway. As soon as you enter an entrance ramp, begin checking traffic on the expressway. Quickly glance in your side mirror and over your shoulder to find a gap in traffic. As you approach the expressway, be sure your turn signal is activated.

Frequently, there will be a constant stream of cross traffic preventing a driver from completing a left turn. In such situations, he or she will need to remain stopped (with wheels pointing straight ahead) in the middle of the intersection until cross traffic has ceased because the signal has turned yellow or red. Because a car planning to turn left may remain in the intersection after the signals have changed, always remember to wait for the intersection to clear before proceeding on a green signal.

Expressways typically carry a high volume of traffic moving at high speeds (up to 75 mph). On most expressways, there will be two to four lanes moving in the same direction, usually divided by a cement barrier or a grassy median. These are known as controlled-access roadways because traffic can enter and exit only in certain areas, called interchanges.

Avoid passing on an expressway when: You're approaching a No Passing zone or a place where the road narrows, including a bridge, tunnel, or underpass There's a long line of slow-moving or stopped vehicles ahead of you The vehicle ahead of you has suddenly slowed for an unknown reason There are obstructions to your line of sight

HOV Lanes When driving on an expressway, be prepared to encounter special lanes designated for the exclusive use of carpools and buses. These are known as High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes. HOV lanes are designed to reduce traffic congestion on expressways. They will generally be indicated with road signs and diamond pavement markings.

Even the best drivers can experience an equipment failure or other emergency while driving. If you have to make an emergency stop on the expressway: Warn drivers behind you by tapping the brake pedal. Turn on your hazard lights as soon as possible. Look in your rearview mirror before applying the brakes. Move to the shoulder of the road as quickly and safely as possible. Avoid the shoulder by the center divider, if possible. Once you're on the shoulder, come to a full stop. Remember that it is extremely dangerous to stop or back up on the expressway itself.

If you must stop on the shoulder of the road, you should set up flares or reflectors around your car to warn other drivers. In general, you shouldn't attempt to repair your car on the side of the road. Have it towed for repairs. If the problem is not severe and you can return to the road, exit the shoulder with the same technique you would use to enter from an on-ramp: signal, accelerate as much as possible on the shoulder, and yield to traffic until there is an adequate gap for you to enter.

Look down the roadway well in advance of your position and leave plenty of space to maneuver around your car so you're prepared for any dangerous situations ahead of you on the expressway. On an expressway, a single collision can disrupt many drivers, especially at rush hour. Help ensure smooth traffic flow by proceeding past collision scenes without stopping or slowing down more than necessary.

If you're confronted with an imminent threat, stay focused, and think before you act. If you drive recklessly, you may increase the danger to yourself and other drivers and find yourself unable to avoid a collision. Don't panic! There is almost always something you can do to avoid or reduce the severity of an impending collision. Learn to take the appropriate evasive actions to protect yourself in an emergency.

Before entering an expressway, pay attention to road signs indicating the route number and direction of the road to make sure you're entering at the right place. Frequently, there will be entrances to the opposite sides of the expressway close to one another. If you don't pay attention to the signs, you may end up traveling in the wrong direction.

If you're not careful when you enter an expressway, you may even start to drive up an exit ramp! If you try to enter what you think is an entrance ramp and you see red and white signs marked DO NOT ENTER or WRONG WAY, immediately pull over to the side of the road, turn around, and exit the ramp.

As you approach an intersection, determine as soon as possible whether the intersection is controlled so you can anticipate the behavior of other road users, identify the appropriate lane for passing, and be prepared to respond when you arrive. Look out for: Flashing and non-flashing signal lights Stop and yield signs Signs controlling U-turns, left turns, and right turns Signs directing traffic

Intersection with traffic signals should be entered when the light is green and the intersection is clear of other traffic. Enter on a yellow light only if it's not safe for you to stop, and on a red light only if you're planning to make a permitted right or left turn. Be prepared to stop or yield when approaching an uncontrolled intersection.

At high speeds, passing can be especially dangerous as you must be sure that no vehicle is about to occupy the area you plan to use to pass. On expressways, you can pass on the left or the right. However, since traffic tends to move slower as you move to the right, it is generally safest to pass on the left. Only pass when you are sure you have the space to do so safely.

Keep in mind that when traveling at 60 mph, you'll travel almost 900 ft in the span of ten seconds. To pass another vehicle safely, you'll need twice that—over a third of a mile! It can be difficult to judge the speed and distance of cars a third of a mile away. In general, if a car is close enough that you can see it approaching, it's probably not safe for you to pass.

Large vehicles can block your vision The effect of being distracted (e.g., by disabled vehicles or billboards) is amplified Wind and other weather conditions become more dangerous Wet surfaces can result in hydroplaning The frequency of entrance and exit ramps in cities can pose hazards

On expressways, speed limits are typically between 60 and 75 mph, although they may be lower in urban areas where more traffic is entering and exiting the expressway. Remember, the Basic Speed Rule prohibits operating a vehicle at a speed greater than is safe under prevailing traffic and road conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit. On expressways, it's especially important to abide by this law.

Watch for pedestrians near the roadway or in a crosswalk and be prepared to yield. When driving in an area where pedestrians are common, always be prepared to stop if someone enters the roadway. When turning left, dealing with pedestrians as well as cross traffic may require patience and caution, so be ready for anything!

Only pass when you're sure it is safe. When traveling on a multi-lane road, you'll eventually find that you need to pass another vehicle. Check all traffic around you to make sure the maneuver will not interfere with another driver. Be careful that no one's preparing to move into the zone you plan to occupy. Always pass on the left if possible. If you must pass on the right, make sure you're not driving somewhere that the maneuver is prohibited.

When exiting an expressway, watch out for these potential conflicts: Drivers entering the expressway using a weave lane make it difficult for you to exit safely. The exit ramp may curve sharply, requiring you to slow down to a speed as low as 5 mph. If you exceed the posted speed limit, you could lose control of your car, drive off the road, run into a wall, or get into a serious collision.

Pay attention to the actions of other drivers as you exit the expressway. Traffic on the exit ramp may be stopped or driving slowly due to a situation on the roadway ahead. There's often a stop sign or traffic signal at the end of a ramp, so be prepared to stop or yield to traffic on the roadway. Don't surprise other drivers on the exit ramp by moving or stopping abruptly. If you realize you didn't mean to exit the expressway, proceed through the exit ramp and return to the expressway at the next opportunity.

Look for stoppages that could cause you to be stuck in an intersection. As you scan the road ahead, look for other cars' brake lights to determine if vehicles ahead of you are stopped. Don't enter an intersection unless you're sure there's enough room for you on the other side. If the light is green as you approach the intersection, be prepared for it to change soon. If the light is red, observe the volume of cross traffic flowing through the intersection so you can predict how long it will take for the intersection to clear.

Plan ahead for anticipated turns. You should always know ahead of time where you're going to turn, especially when driving in heavy traffic. Since it's frequently difficult to change lanes when the roads are crowded, plan to get into the proper lane two or three blocks in advance.

Bridges and bridge supports are constructed to support more weight and make it less likely that cars will drive over the side of the bridge. Light poles, signs, trees, and other obstructions have been removed from the roadside, making it less dangerous to drive onto the side of the road. Breakaway support posts ensure that traffic signs will not cause severe damage or injuries.

Raised rumble strips and lane reflectors alert inattentive or drowsy drivers when they veer out of their lane or off the road. Liquid- or sand-filled drums are placed in front of some road barriers to decrease the severity of collisions with these barriers. Protected merge lanes provide extra protection for drivers maneuvering across traffic. Clearer signage standards ensure that road signs can be understood quickly and at a distance. Electronic message signs allow drivers to anticipate specific situations.

Treat other drivers with courtesy. Extend the same consideration to other drivers that you would like them to extend to you. When another driver seeks to change lanes, turn, or enter traffic, be sure to give them plenty of space. When another driver attempts to pass you, you should give way, maintain a steady speed, and not maneuver until the other car has safely returned to your lane.

Recall that at most intersections, you should begin and end a right turn in the right-most lanes, and begin and end a left turn in the left-most lanes. However, on some multi-lane roads, additional lanes will be designated for the use of vehicles that intend to turn. As you approach an intersection, determine what lanes can be used for turning by paying attention to lane markings and posted signs. Even if you're not planning to turn, you'll be better able to anticipate the actions of other drivers.

While collisions tend to occur on high-speed expressways less frequently than they do on other roadways, they often have severe consequences due to the higher speeds involved. According to the NHTSA, while less than 10% of all vehicle collisions that occurred in 2013 took place on roads with speed limits of 60 mph or higher, 21% of all fatal collisions took place on these roadways.

Remember these strategies for reducing risks on an expressway: Stay alert and know when you are approaching your exit. Adjust your vehicle's position and speed to compensate for road and weather conditions. Steer as gently as possible at higher speeds. Don't change lanes without signaling and checking for an open gap. If you have to change lanes, change one lane at a time. Never park, back up, or stop on the expressway. Stop on a shoulder only in an emergency. Make room for vehicles entering traffic from an entrance ramp. Increase your following distance when behind a truck, bus, or motorcycle. At higher speeds, search 20 to 30 seconds ahead of you to compensate for the speed at which visual cues are coming.

Careful observation of signs, signals, and roadway markings is critical when traffic is moving at high speeds. Speed limit signs and laws are easy to understand, yet speeding violations represent a disproportionately large percentage of total citations. Watch for minimum speed limit signs, as driving too slowly can be especially dangerous on an expressway. Green guide signs indicate route directions and distances to specified destinations. Within a mile of an exit, three signs will be posted so drivers wishing to exit will have enough time to prepare. Mile markers help you keep track of the distance traveled and identify when you're nearing your destination.

Shield-shaped interstate signs indicate the number of the expressway you're using so you can identify your position on a map or in an emergency. North/south routes have odd numbers while east/west routes have even numbers. Most routes use two-digit numbers. Alternate routes use three-digit numbers. If the first digit is even, the route goes around the city. If odd, the route goes through the city.

Look out for signs identifying the exit you want to use and the lane you must be driving in to exit. When signs indicate that your exit is less than one mile ahead, check traffic around you and begin changing lanes one at a time until you reach the exit lane. Never cross more than one lane at a time. If you miss your exit, continue to the next exit and turn around once you are off the expressway.

Signs warning you that your exit is approaching may provide information including the exit's number and name, the distance to the exit, the number of exit lanes available, and whether the exit is on the left or right of the roadway. Watch for yellow panels with the message EXIT ONLY on guide signs posted above the expressway. Lanes beneath these panels will end at the off-ramp and cannot be used by through traffic. If you're not planning to exit the expressway, make sure you're not driving in an EXIT ONLY lane.

At some entrances, timed entrance lights, or Ramp Meters, are used to control traffic flow by providing a gap between vehicles entering the expressway. Ramp meters usually have only two signals, red and green. Typically, only one car can enter on a green light, although a different limit, such as two cars per green light, may be posted. When you approach a ramp meter, come to a full stop and wait for the light to turn green. Never try to rush through a ramp meter.

Some expressway entrance ramps have two lanes that merge into one lane at the end of the ramp. The double merge lanes allow vehicles on high volume entrance ramps to create gaps in traffic and merge safely. On these ramps, there may be separate ramp meters for each lane. Drivers may use any lane available to them and should obey the signal light associated with that lane.

Acceleration Lane The acceleration lane is the area of an expressway entrance that is used by drivers to speed up before merging with traffic. Pay attention to the speed of traffic on the expressway so you know how fast you should be driving. On shorter acceleration lanes, you'll need to accelerate more quickly to match the flow of traffic. Search for a gap as you approach and be prepared to adjust your speed.

Sometimes there may not be an acceleration lane between the entrance ramp and the merge area. At other times, the acceleration lane will be clear but the expressway will be so crowded that you'll need to stop and wait before merging. Don't proceed until you can identify a safe gap to enter. As you enter, accelerate quickly so you can match the speed of traffic.

Drive in the lane that allows you to proceed safely and with the fewest conflicts with other drivers. Your lane choice may be affected by the volume and speed of traffic, the types of vehicles on the road, and the location of your intended exit. If you have to cross several lanes to reach the ideal position, change one lane at a time.

The extreme left lane of an expressway is for faster traffic, and the right lane is for slower traffic: Use the right lane for driving more slowly or if you're planning to leave the expressway after a short time. Due to their speed limitations, large vehicles are more likely to drive in lanes on the right. Use the center and left lanes for passing and driving at high speeds. In general, the fastest traffic will be in the leftmost lane of the expressway.

Never insist on taking the right-of-way. If another driver fails to yield, let him or her proceed. Once the driver has entered the intersection, any action you may take to correct him or her will only make the situation more confusing and dangerous for other drivers on the road. Whenever you enter an intersection, you must follow through on the maneuver you've begun. Any indecision on your part could make it difficult for others to proceed.

To drive through intersections safely, you must be able to judge the speed and distance of other vehicles and choose a safe gap in cross traffic when preparing to make a turn. Never change lanes or attempt to pass another car when driving through an intersection. You won't be able to see pedestrians and other drivers sufficiently, you may interfere with another driver's maneuver, and you may cause a collision simply by appearing in an unexpected position.

On some entrance ramps, it may be difficult to see what's happening on the expressway because the ramp is curved, the expressway is higher than the ramp, or there is a high wall between the ramp and the expressway. In these situations, pay attention to the end of the ramp to watch for potential conflicts. Adjust your speed if you see heavy traffic on the ramp or expressway.

To reduce risks on entrance ramps: Look at the speed limit sign as you enter the ramp and adjust your speed appropriately. Be especially careful on entrance ramps with sharp curves. Be sure you're in the correct lane to enter the expressway (on some ramps, another lane will lead back to the roadway). Be ready for slow or stopped traffic on the ramp or expressway. Avoid stopping abruptly or encroaching on traffic ahead of you.

To merge with expressway traffic, you must identify a gap large enough for your car to fit into without conflict. In general, there must be a gap of at least four seconds between two cars for you to enter, as this will give you about two seconds in front of and behind your car once you enter the expressway. Remember that vehicles on the expressway have the right-of-way. Don't try to squeeze into a gap that is too small. Wait at the end of the merge area until there is a sufficient gap.

To reduce risks while merging: Make sure your signals are activated and continue signaling until you've completely merged with traffic. Be sure you maintain a safe following distance with vehicles on the entrance and the expressway. Watch for vehicles changing lanes at merge points. Anticipate the actions of the driver entering ahead of you, as he or she may suddenly slow or stop.

Intersections are considered high-risk places. Often, one driver will fail to notice the presence of another as he or she enters an intersection, resulting in a collision. While roughly 27% of fatal collisions experience them at intersections, approximately 47% of all crashes, including about half of all crashes that result in an injury, occur at intersections. Collisions at intersections are most often caused by drivers disobeying traffic control devices or right-of-way rules.

To reduce the risk of a collision at an intersection: Watch for potentially hazardous events on the roadway Apply the SEE IT space management system to maintain an open line of sight and path of travel Use proper communication methods to indicate your intentions to other road users Follow applicable right-of-way laws

To drive in a HOV lane, you must have the required minimum number of occupants in your car. This requirement (usually two or three people, including the driver) will be indicated on signs posted along the expressway. These signs may also indicate the hours of the day that the HOV requirements apply. Some HOV lanes can only be entered and exited at locations designated by a broken white line. When double white lines separate an HOV lane from other lanes, it may not be entered or exited.

Toll Booths On some roads and bridges, you'll need to pay a toll to proceed. Often, drivers face increased dangers at toll booths because of the high volume of vehicles at the toll gate. Moreover, you may encounter distracted drivers trying to get across the roadway at the last minute, as tollbooth lanes are typically designated for specific road users, such as carpools, buses, and trucks. As you approach a tollbooth, make sure you're driving in an appropriate lane.

Diamond Interchange A diamond interchange is used to connect a major expressway with a secondary road with less traffic. Traffic signal lights on the secondary road are often used to control access to the entrance and exit ramps. A typical diamond interchange uses four directional ramps for entering and exiting.

Trumpet Interchange A trumpet interchange is a T-intersection where an expressway comes to an end at an intersection. Trumpet interchanges allow traffic to transition smoothly between a secondary, two-way street and the major roadway while keeping the flows of traffic separate.

To avoid conflicts with other vehicles, you should begin and end a turn in corresponding lanes. For instance, if you're turning right out of the second lane from the right on one roadway, you should complete the turn in the second lane from the right on the new roadway. Never turn alongside another vehicle. Keep your car ahead of or behind a vehicle in an adjacent lane that is turning at the same time as you.

Turning left can be especially difficult at multi-lane intersections because the driver will need to travel through several lanes of cross traffic to complete the turn. On some roads, a short lane reserved for traffic turning left will appear shortly before you reach the intersection. Designed to facilitate traffic flow, these lanes are known as left turn bays.

The monotony of driving on an expressway can often lead to velocitation and highway hypnosis. To avoid velocitation, check your speedometer regularly. Remember to reduce your speed when exiting the expressway. To avoid becoming drowsy or dazed by highway hypnosis, be sure you keep your eyes moving, actively pay attention, and take frequent breaks from driving.

Watch for the following situations and adjust your speed appropriately: Upcoming toll booths, immigration check points, or traffic breaks Disabled vehicles on the road Traffic congestion, especially near urban areas Construction zones and road workers Approaching emergency vehicles

Once you've started to enter an expressway, do not stop or turn around. Continue until you've merged with expressway traffic. If you stop suddenly while entering an expressway, other drivers may not be prepared to react in time and a collision may result. Even if you realize you're going the wrong way, you should enter the expressway. Exit at the next opportunity and turn around.

Weave Lanes On some expressways, a Weave Lane is used by both entering and exiting traffic. In places where a weave lane is used, drivers enter and exit the expressway at the same location. Because multiple lanes of traffic must interact with each other on weave lanes, the potential for conflict is high. When entering an expressway on a weave lane, yield to drivers using the same weave lane to exit.

If you can't clearly see 100 ft in all directions as you approach an intersection, reduce your speed to 15 mph so you'll have time to stop if another vehicle appears suddenly. Any time your view around an intersection is obstructed by parked cars, foliage, buildings, or other objects, you should enter the intersection slowly so you can check for cross traffic before you proceed.

When coming to a stop at an intersection, your car should be positioned: Behind the stop line, if one is present Behind the nearest crosswalk line, if there's a painted crosswalk but no stop line Behind an imaginary line that stretches between the curb corners to the drivers right and left if there's no painted road marking

Before driving on an expressway, be sure your car is in good working order and that you have everything you may need: Check your fuel level as well as your car's tires, lights, and fuel levels. Make sure you have an emergency kit, a spare tire and tools for changing it, battery jumper cables, water, and snacks, as well as any weather-appropriate equipment. If traveling with luggage, be sure to distribute the weight evenly, especially if you'll be driving up or downhill.

When driving on an expressway, always keep the following considerations in mind: Be alert: Keep your eyes moving between several visual ranges and use your rearview and side mirrors constantly to check the traffic behind you. Stay out of others' blind spots: Because drivers change lanes so often on expressways, it's especially dangerous to travel in a position where another driver can't see you. Always allow plenty of room when passing

A number of features are employed on modern expressways to reduce the chance of a deadly impact when a car drives off of the roadway. The first goal of these design features is to reduce the risk that vehicles will leave their lane and drift into oncoming traffic or off the roadway. The second goal is to reduce the severity of a crash if a vehicle does drift out of its lane.

Wider lanes and shoulders give drivers extra space to navigate. Most expressways are divided by concrete or cable barriers so that cars can't cross the center of the roadway into oncoming traffic. Guardrails are used on roadsides to keep drivers from driving off the roadway, especially in places like mountains where no shoulder is available.