Ch 16 Driving on Highways For Your Quiz

Ch. 16 Driving on Highways

For Your Quiz �Be able to explain the safe driving strategies for expressway driving. �Know the situations that require you to increase your following distance. �Be able to explain why there are fewer collisions on expressways. �Explain what you should do if you encounter a “wolf pack. ” �List and explain the common exiting problems. �Define highway hypnosis. �Define velocitation.

Key Idea This chapter discusses ways to manage risk when entering, driving on, and exiting multilane highways. Students also learn about problems and features specific to highways.

Why are expressways safer? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Cross Traffic is Eliminated Expressways have medians/barriers between opposite lanes of traffic Access is restricted to not allow slow moving vehicles/pedestrians Wide shoulders provide good escape paths Signs are designed to help drivers anticipate changes ahead of time

Classification of Highways Review • What type of signs are these? • What information do you get from these signs? There are three classifications of highways: 1. Interstate 2. US Highway 3. State Highway

Interstate Highway System Controlled Access Ø Vehicles can only enter or leave at designated interchanges. Interchange Ø Places where drivers can cross over or under traffic as well as enter or leave the expressway. Non-controlled Access Ø This roadway could have traffic lights, intersections, and driveways where traffic is able to enter or leave the expressway

Freeway Interchanges Four Types of Interchanges: 1. Cloverleaf 2. Diamond 3. Trumpet 4. All-Directional

Safe Driving Strategies 1. Prepare 2. Build yourself and your vehicle experience gradually 3. Concentrate 4. Cooperate on the driving task with other drivers

Entering Controlled -Access Highways • Gap Size applies to this maneuver When entering a controlledaccess highway: • Make sure you are on an entrance ramp. There are 3 parts to an entrance ramp: 1. Entrance ramp 2. Acceleration Lane 3. Merging Area Short video on merging

Entrance Problems Wrong Ramp • Don’t back up! Go to next exit and fix it then. Ramp Meter • Red and Green light used to help control the flow of traffic onto the expressway. Acceleration Lane • Avoid coming to a stop if at all possible. Left-Entrance Ramp • Dangerous because you are merging with the faster traffic.

Steps for Entering an Expressway 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Check your front and rear zones. Accelerate in acceleration lane. Decide on gap. MIB and match speed. Merge, cancel signal, adjust speed. Following Distance

Applying the IPDE Process Identify • Open and closed zone • Line of sight restrictions • Other users • Traffic signs and signals • Roadway Features and Conditions Predict • Actions of Others • Speed • Direction • Control Decide • Change/Maintain Speed • Change/Maintain Steering • Communicate with Others • Combine Actions Execute • Use smooth, deliberate actions to carry out your plan.

Lane Choice • • • Safer to drive on right and pass on left. Safest lane? • Depends on situation but usually still the right lane • Approaching entrances – move to center to avoid conflicts • Avoid passing on the right whenever possible Reversible lanes HOT/HOV Lanes Speed limit and Common Speed

Changing Lanes • • • Avoid making lane changes too often. Avoid changing multiple lanes at one time. Avoid changing lanes when others are changing too.

Passing and Being Passed • Pass on the left…it’s safer!! • If being passed: • Change lane position if necessary to increase space • To let them pass quickly reduce your speed slightly

Exiting Controlled. Access Highways • Locate the proper exit: • Deceleration Lane • Exit Ramp • Advisory Speed Limit • Identify type of ramp • Do Not Slow Down on the Expressway Itself!!!!

3 Common Exiting Problems 1. 2. 3. Ramp Overflow Crossing Paths Short Deceleration Lane

Highway Problems and Features • Drivers • • • Highway Hypnosis Velocitation Disabled Vehicles • • Use hazard lights Raise hood Tie white cloth to antenna Stand near the back of the car away from the road

Expressway Wolf -packs Vehicles bunching together on an expressway. • Avoid to keep space cushion and reduce risk • Change speed to avoid packs • Become a “loner” and drive in between packs is possible •

Roadways and Toll Plazas • • • Beltway Spur Manual Lane Automatic Lane IPASS Lane

For Your Quiz �Be able to explain the safe driving strategies for expressway driving. �Know the situations that require you to increase your following distance. �Be able to explain why there are fewer collisions on expressways. �Explain what you should do if you encounter a “wolf pack. ” �List and explain the common exiting problems. �Define highway hypnosis. �Define velocitation.