Chapter 11 Expressway Driving

Why is entering an expressway on the left more hazardous than the right?

Because the left lane of the expressway moves faster than the right lanes. Therefore you must accelerate faster to avoid collisions.

What are three possible exiting problems?

Crossing paths Ramp Overflow Short Deceleration lane

How is highway hypnosis caused and what actions can you take to stay alert?

It is caused by driving miles and miles at same speeds with very little hills or curves. You should sit up straighter, open a window, stop at next exit and stretch or exercise or stop at a safe place and take a brief nap. Make sure the place is safe.

If traffic is backed up on the exit ramp you want to use, you should

Pass that ramp and use the next exit.

You slow your vehicle without blocking those behind you when you are in the ________lane.

Right

The right edge of the expressway should be marked with a _________ line.

Solid

Expressways are safer than other types of roads because

There are no intersections or cross traffic.

A __________ interchange is used when a side road forms a T intersection with an expressway.

Trumpet

Lane that permits drivers entering an expressway to accelerate to the sped of expressway traffic.

acceleration lane

Speed used by most drivers on an expressway.

common speed

condition of unconsciously driving too fast as a result of driving for long periods at high speeds

velocitation

Group or formation of vehicles traveling on an expressway.

wolf pack

What steps should you take when exiting an expressway?

*At least 1/2 mile from exit signal and make lane change to position 3 when safe to do so. *Move into deceleration lane and cancel your signal *Flash brake lights to warn drivers behind you. Keep a safe distance, monitor you front and rear zones. *Adjust your speed to exit ramp speed and prepare to stop or yield. Remain alert.

What are four different types of expressway interchanges?

*Cloverleaf Interchange *Diamond Interchange *Trumpet Interchange *All-Directional Interchange

What 3 key factors contribute to safe driving on expressways?

*Cooperation among drivers *Concentration on the driving task *Use of the IPDE process.

What are five reasons expressways have lower collision rates than other highways?

*Cross traffic is eliminated. *Expressways have a median or barrier between opposing lanes of traffic. *Pedestrians, nonmotorized vehicles are not permitted on most expressways. *Wide shoulders and extra-wide underpasses provide good escape paths. *Expressway signs are designed to help drivers anticipate conditions well ahead.

What strategies can you follow for low-risk driving on expressways?

*Prepare yourself and your vehicle-know your route and plan stops, make sure your vehicle is in good running order. *Build experience gradually-practice entering and exiting etc, choose times when traffic is slower and easier to maneuver in. *Concentrate on the driving task-eliminate distractions and don't let yourself become bored with the path. *Cooperate with other drivers-do not let anger get the best of you, be aware of other drivers.

What should you do if your vehicle becomes disabled on the expressway?

1) Check your zones and pull onto median or shoulder 2) Turn on hazard flashers and get everyone out of the vehicle and away from the expressway if it is not far out of the traffic. 3) Call for help, raise hood and tie a white cloth to the antenna or door handle. 4) If you have them set flares or triangles 500 feet behind vehicle when it is safe to do so. 5) Get back in vehicle if it is safe and lock doors, never get into a strangers vehicle. 6) DO NOT stand in expressway to direct traffic.

How do you properly enter an expressway?

1) Chose correct entrance and make sure there are no "do not enter" signs 2) When on ramp check front & rear zones, turn signal on and watch to the left and right for a good place to merge onto ramp. Watch also for entrance signal lights to stop you from proceeding. 3) Once in acceleration lane, increase speed and look for gap to merge into traffic of expressway, watch left zone. 4) Find a vehicle to merge after and once it is past and lane is clear, merge and begin to accelerate, but maintain a safe following distance. 5) Once on expressway cancel turn signal and follow flow of traffic keeping a safe distance around your vehicle.

What are 4 possible problems you may have entering an expressway?

1) Entrance ramps- choosing wrong ramp, short ramp, high walls blocking view ahead 2) Entrance ramp signal lights-you must wait for the green light to go (these are used to space out traffic) 3) Excessive traffic at rush hour makes acceleration hard, just follow flow of traffic avoid stopping on ramp, people behind you may be checking the sides for gaps and run into you. If you have to stop, flash brake lights to warn people behind you, pull onto shoulder, when re-entering traffic look for gap and do so fast. 4) a closed front zone due to slower traffic ahead. select a new gap and re-enter. 5) Entrance ramps on left side of expressway merge into faster moving traffic so you need to accelerate faster to avoid collision.

When should following distances be increased for expressway driving?

Following a large vehicle blocking front view Following a motorcycle Driving in bad weather or poor road conditions Driving in heavy traffic Driving a heavy vehicle or pulling a trailer Operating a motorcycle Entering or exiting and expressway

Expressway collisions tend to be more serious than those on other types of roads, because expressways

Have higher-speed travel

How can you use the IPDE process to achieve a safe path of travel?

Identify - the volume of traffic around you on the expressway. Predict - slowing traffic ahead, closed zones or road work, vehicles on shoulders or backed up. Decide-maintain a speed that allows you adequate time to react to changes quickly. Because you are traveling faster you must make decisions faster. Execute-make movements smoothley, never jerk or make fast maneuvers, signal and allow enough time for the signal to be seen and understood.

How can you apply the IPDE process to exit an expressway?

Identify the green expressway guide signs showing the distance to your exit Predict actions of other drivers who might be using the same exit Decide on the safe speed for exiting Execute your maneuver smoothly and blend with slower traffic.

Stretch of roadway at the end of an acceleration lane where vehicles going the flow of traffic.

merging area