Chapter 11 Interstate Test

steps for stopping on expressways

(only as last resort) Flash brake lights, Pull onto a shoulder, Wait for safe gap, Accelerate quickly

5 reasons why Expressways Have Fewer Collisions

1)Cross traffic is eliminated. 2)Have a median strip or barrier between opposing lanes. 3)pedestrians , animals, and slow moving vehicles are not permitted. 4)Design helps keep vehicles from hitting fixed objects . 5)Designed to help drivers anticipate conditions ahead

Speed Limits

55-65 max ; 45 minimum

Expressway

A controlled access highway. Vehicle can enter or leave only at interchanges

steps for exiting expressway

About ½ mile before exit, signal and move into the lane that leads to the deceleration lane, Move into deceleration lane as soon as it begins. Don not slow down until your car is out of expressway traffic, Cancel your signal, slow down gradually. Identify ramp speed sign, be prepared to stop at the end of ramp.

Possible Entrance Problems

Backing up (Never do this), Watch for speed limits, No gap in traffic - you must have to slow down or even stop. You must YIELD, Watch car ahead of you on a ramp, signal lights on ramp - used during rush hours. Obey Red/Green

Steps for Lane Changing

Change one at a time. Signal every lane change. Check blind spot. Cancel signal, Do not decelerate (unless needed) Beware of middle lane (when outside lane and inside lane both want to go middle) To allow entering traffic to merge . Parked vehicles

Blind Spots

Check before changing lanes. Look in rear/side view mirrors often. don't be in trucks _______ _______.

Steps for Entering Expressways

Choose correct entrance ramp (Wrong Way Do Not Enter). On Ramp - Be alert for stopped vehicles or vehicles behind you. Glance over your left shoulder. Turn on left turn signal. On the Acceleration Lane - Adjust speed to flow of traffic, look for gap to enter. Decide which vehicle to flow in traffic flow. As you enter the merge area, adjust speed to match traffic speed. In Traffic - Turn off turn signal, adjust speed, keep a safe cushion

Merging Area

Enter the expressway from this area at about same speed as cars in the first lane

Expressway Entrances

Entrance ramp, acceleration lane, merging area

Special Situations on Expressway

Expressways thru cities = More ramps. Drive in center or left lane if not exiting. Know well in advance your exit. Predict what other drivers might do

Increase following distance to 4-6 seconds when ...?

Following a truck or bus, Following a motorist, Driving in bad weather , Driving in heavy traffic, Pulling a trailer, Operating a motorcycle, Entering or exiting an interstate being tailgated

Entrance Ramp

Gives you time to evaluate traffic as you prepare to merge

Acceleration Lane

Long enough so you n accelerate to the speed on the highway

Toll Booths

Look for green light (tells which booths are open). Machine operated (correct change). Attendant operated . Merge carefully

Strategies for safe expressway driving

Prepare yourself and your car - know your route name, number or direction. Plan stops for fuel, food and rest. Check your car's mechanical condition. Build experience gradually. Concentrate on the driving task. Cooperate with other drivers

Exiting Problems - Crossing paths (let entering driver first)

Ramp overflow - flash brake lights, use next exit fi possible. Short deceleration lane - slow more quickly judge the lane's length, identify exit speed, watch traffic to rear

Follow procedures for making lane changes

See headlights of vehicles you are passing before moving back over. (in rear view mirror). Do not reduce speed

Disabled vehicle (your car)

Signal and pull as far off the expressway as possible (even into the grass), Turn on Emergency flashers, Everyone in car should get out and away from car. Raise hood and tie a white tag to antenna or door handle, Set out emergency flares or reflectors (500ft behind car)

Overhead Signs

Tells you which lane to be in for exiting or going to your destination. Ex. exit, next exit, exit only, through traffic, etc.

Lane choice

Use right lane. Use center and left lane for passing and to allow traffic into interstate

Following

Use the 3 second rule (normal conditions)

Interchanges

Vehicles can cross over or under an expressway. Vehicles can enter and leave an expressway without interfereing the flow of traffic

On Rural interstate Highways ....

Watch your speed

where you try to accelerate to the speed of expressway traffic

acceleration lane

Advantages for expressway

best protection for driving at higher speed. Carry more traffic and are safer. Collisions and fatality rates are lower

speed used by most drivers

common speed

permit drivers to enter the expressway only from interchanges

controlled access highway

lane used for slowing down after leaving expressway traffic

deceleration lane

What leads onto an expressway

entrance ramp

ramp leading off the expressway

exit ramp

the major cause of collisions is ... ?

following too closely

used to warn other drivers of a disabled vehicle

hazard lights

condition lulling a driver into drowsiness

highway hypnosis

where should you begin to slow down when exiting an expressway?

in the deceleration lane

Pass on ...

left (right is permitted if slower vehicle does not move over)

area where you join expressway traffic

merging area

slowest legal speed allowed under ideal conditions

minimum speed

if you are being passed continually on the right you should________________________

move to the lane to your right

rough areas built into the roadway are

rumble strips

at the first sign of car trouble you should____________________

signal and get off the roadway

Common Speed

speed used by most drivers

Velocitation

thinking your car is going slower than it really is (occurs after hours of expressway driving)

conditions of unconsciously driving too fast

velocitation

Roadway Construction

watch and obey orange construction signs. slow to posted speed limit

when can velocitation be especially hazardous ...

when exiting an expressway

a group of vehicles traveling in a bunch is called

wolf pack

The left edge of an expressway's traffic lanes should be marked with a

yellow line

to avoid a conflict to other drivers moving into the same lane as you after leaving the tollbooth you should__________

yield