Helpful Driving Information

FREEWAY DRIVING ENVIRONMENT

Freeways or expressways are designed to carry traffic efficiently. The traffic flow is fast, all the traffic moves in the same direction without stops, and there are no intersections, sharp curves, traffic signals, or railroad crossings.
This is why driving on the freeway is different from driving on an ordinary street.

FREEWAY DRIVING ENVIRONMENT

You need good driving knowledge, skills, and attitudes to drive on freeways safely.
It's always a good idea to plan your route before starting and know the entrances and exits you will need to take. Also, check your gas level before entering a freeway.

ENTERING A FREEWAY

Be sure you are using the on-ramp when you enter the freeway. Entrance on-ramps may go up or downhill depending on the position of the street you enter from. If you have made a mistake, signs will say Do Not Enter and/or Wrong Way.
You have to be careful when entering the freeway. You should search ahead for traffic on the ramp as well as for a gap in traffic on the freeway. Always observe the ramp speed limit.

ENTERING A FREEWAY

Traffic access on freeways is controlled. Controlled access means that you enter or leave the freeway only at entrances and exits which are called interchanges.

INTERCHANGES

Sometimes you will find interchanges which are intersection of two roads, where one road is for exiting and the other road is for entering the freeway. Negotiating these interchanges requires cooperation and communication. Cars exiting have the right-of-way unless there is a safety threat.

INTERCHANGES
Cloverleaf Interchange

A cloverleaf interchange allows for interchange of two freeways with minimal disruption of speed or movement. The cloverleaf usually has characteristic weave lanes as traffic enters from one roadway and exits from another. Curved exits lead to braking and steering problems as drivers adjust from high speed to the speed of a curve.

INTERCHANGES
Diamond Interchange

The diamond interchange allows for interchange of a major roadway with a secondary dual or multi-lane roadway. The diamond interchange may have traffic control devices on the intersecting secondary roadway that allows for left and right turns onto the secondary roadway.

INTERCHANGES
Trumpet Interchange

The trumpet interchange allows for interchange of secondary two-way streets to a multi-lane roadway with minimal traffic mix. It takes the place of a T-intersection which is often used when a roadway ends at the intersection of another roadway.

INTERCHANGES
Frontage Road Interchanges

Frontage road interchanges allow for interchange of vehicles using parallel secondary two-way or one-way roadways and a major multi-lane roadway. Frontage road turnarounds allow drivers to exit a multi-lane roadway and use the opposing frontage road to enter the multi-lane roadway in the opposite direction.

MERGING

Using the acceleration lane, look for an opening in traffic, signal and accelerate to or near the traffic speed, yield to traffic already on freeway. Do not stop before merging with traffic unless absolutely necessary. A stop can mean a slow and dangerous start into fast-moving traffic and can affect traffic behind you and cause collisions. Stay with the traffic flow. If you are traveling on the freeway, watch for merging traffic and adjust your speed if necessary.

SELECTING LANES

Freeways have several lanes in each direction. On freeways, you should leave the extreme left lane for faster traffic or to pass slow moving vehicles. The right lane should be used for traffic that paces more slowly than the normal traffic flow.
Always choose a lane that has a clear view and is appropriate for your speed. Avoid driving in the right lane as there will be a lot of merging traffic at freeway entrances and your view will be blocked by slower larger vehicles like buses, trucks, RVs, etc.
Remember, lane weaving is always dangerous, annoys other drivers, increases the risk of collisions, and doesn't save time.

SPACE CUSHION

The key to driving on the freeway is to have a larger space between your vehicle and the other traffic.
As the flow of traffic is faster on freeways, you need more space and time in order to stop or react quickly to dangers in front of you.

LANE CHANGES

Watch for vehicles around you. Check the zones around your car—the front, back, and the lane you wish to enter. Use your mirrors and turn signals. Turn your head to look quickly to the side before changing lanes. Make sure there is enough space between you and the vehicle ahead. Make sure you can stop safely if needed, in case another vehicle comes in front of you. If you have to cross several lanes, take them one at a time.

EXITING A FREEWAY

Look ahead for signs telling you about the exit you want and the lane you need to use. Check in front, behind, and to the side for traffic. Signal and move into the proper lane before the exit.
Most freeway exits have a special lane for you to use before you reach the exit ramp. Avoid slowing down on the freeway itself. Wait until you are in the deceleration lane. Then slow gradually until your speed matches the posted exit ramp speed.

EXITING A FREEWAY

If you miss the exit ramp, never turn around or back up. Go to the next exit; get back on the freeway in the opposite direction and return to the exit you want.

FREEWAY EMERGENCIES

There are a number of hazards associated with freeway driving. An example:
If there is something blocking your path, you should have the ability to steer around it without suddenly slowing down or stopping. Sudden movements on freeways are always dangerous.

FREEWAY EMERGENCIES

If you see a hazard ahead of you or in case of an emergency, communicate with the other traffic behind you by:

• Flashing your brake lights and headlights
  
• Turning on your hazard lights

FREEWAY EMERGENCIES

If you car breaks down on the freeway, don’t panic. To avoid suddenly stopping in traffic follow the guidelines given below:

• Warn others that you are having difficulties by using your brake lights and turn indicators.
• Pull your vehicle to the shoulder and completely off the pavement if you can do this safely. Do not use the shoulder next to the center divider if at all possible.
• Make sure that your vehicle is visible in either direction and vehicles have enough space to pass.
• Use your hazard lights when parked on the shoulder to warn approaching traffic.
• Call for help and have your vehicle towed off the freeway as soon as possible.

FREEWAY EMERGENCIES

If you must enter a freeway lane from the shoulder, follow the steps given below:

• Give a signal.
  
• Accelerate as safe as possible on the shoulder itself. Don’t enter the lane immediately; this could mean entering into fast moving traffic, possibly causing a collision.
  
• Make sure that when entering traffic there is an adequate gap between your vehicle and traffic.