Intersection Search Patterns Topic 2 Lesson 1 T – 5.17 Step 1 ( S earch) Step 2 ( E valuate) Step 3 ( E xecute) Intersection Approach: Identify intersection Identify controls Check rear areas Search for intersection problems Scan path of travel 1st Scan all other areas Look for closed or changing frontal areas Adjust speed Maintain lane position Stop behind crosswalk, or Proceed through open space area in Time

Understanding Lane Markings Shared Left Turn Lane Reversible Lanes T – 5.18 Topic 2 Lesson 1

Special Lane Markings Topic 2 Lesson 1 T – 5.18a Shared Left Turn Lane Drivers traveling in either direction may use this lane for making left turns. Drivers may not travel further than 150 feet in this shared lane. Driver may use the shared left turn lane to enter a street from a driveway. Reversible Lanes Traffic in these lanes moves in one direction during certain periods of the day and in the opposite direction during other times of the day. Often found in areas with a large volume of traffic coming in a city during the morning hours and going out during the afternoon hours.

Limited Line of Sight Through Curves Limited Line of Sight Through Curves T – 5.19 Topic 2 Lesson 2

LOS/POT Curves T – 5.20 Topic 2 Lesson 2 Entering a Curve to the Right Determine Line of Sight / Path of Travel LP2 provides the best visibility Check traffic to the rear Path of Travel Line of Sight Begin in Lane Position 2 Lane Position 3 Apex Point Exiting the Curve Adjust speed and position for best visibility and space cushion Moving Through the Curve Determine target area LP3 provides best space cushion Exit in Lane Position 1

LOS/POT Curves T – 5.21 Topic 2 Lesson 2 Begin in Lane Position 3 Lane Position 2 Apex Point Exit in Lane Position 1 Path of Travel Line of Sight Entering a Curve to the Left Determine Line of Sight/Path of TravelDetermine Line of Sight/Path of Travel LP 3 provides the best visibilityLP 3 provides the best visibility Check traffic to the rearCheck traffic to the rear Moving Through the Curve Determine target areaDetermine target area Determine ApexDetermine Apex Exiting the Curve Adjust speed and position for best visibility and space cushion

Line of Sight Over Hill Determine the Best Line of Sight and Path of Travel Determine the Best Line of Sight and Path of Travel Lane position 3 provides the best space cushion Lane position 3 provides the best space cushion Line of Sight is Restricted Up and Down Hill Line of Sight is Restricted Up and Down Hill T – 5.22 Topic 2 Lesson 2

Determining Passing Time/Space Needs Determining Passing Time/Space Needs T – 5.23 Topic 3 Lesson 1 To pass another vehicle safely you must: identify a safe and legal passing zone;identify a safe and legal passing zone; judge the time and space needed to pass;judge the time and space needed to pass; judge the relative speed and distance of other vehicles; andjudge the relative speed and distance of other vehicles; and apply proper passing skills and complete the maneuver safely.apply proper passing skills and complete the maneuver safely.

Identifying a Safe and Legal Passing Zone Determining Passing Time/Space Needs Determining Passing Time/Space Needs Topic 3 Lesson 1 T – 5.23a time 2.the time you will need to pass safely 3.the space 3.the space you will need to safely pass the other vehicle Before you pass, you must determine: TRAVEL TIME = SPACE  Formula – Speed + ½ speed = feet per second (fps) traveled  60 mph = 90 fps 1.if you are in a legal passing zone broken line = pass with cautionbroken line = pass with caution solid line = no passingsolid line = no passing list other areas where passing is prohibitedlist other areas where passing is prohibited

Determining Passing Time/Space Needs Determining Passing Time/Space Needs T – 5.24 Topic 3 Lesson 1 2 Second Space 60 fps X 2 = 120 ft. Total distance traveled: 13 sec. X 60 fps. = 780 ft. 2 sec. following distance = 120 ft. 1 car length= 15 ft. 1 sec. gap = 60 ft Total additional distance traveled = 195 ft. Time needed to pass: 195 ft. /15 ft. = 13 sec. Total distance traveled: 13 sec. X 60 fps. = 780 ft. Distance traveled = speed + ½ speed in feet per second Time to pass = distance traveled to complete pass, divided by difference in distance traveled per second by each vehicle RED car traveling 40 mph = 60 fps (40 mph X 1.5 fps = 60 fps) BLUE car traveling 30 mph = 45 fps (30 mph X 1.5 fps = 45 fps) 60 ft - 45 ft = 15 ft. Red car is traveling 15 fps faster than Blue car Judging Time and Space Needed to Pass Safely 1 car length = 15 feet 1 Second Space 60 fps x 1 = 60 ft

Determining Passing Time/Space Needs Determining Passing Time/Space Needs Topic 3 Lesson 1 T – 5.24a To estimate the time and distance of an oncoming vehicle, begin counting when the vehicle is first seen: 1000 and 1; 1000 and 2; etc. Continue the count until the approaching vehicle is opposite your vehicle. Practicing this technique will help you develop the ability to judge speed and distance and 20 COUNT and 1 = 1 second 1000 and and 1 Judging the Relative Speed and Distance of Other Vehicles

13 seconds / 780 ft. Space Cushion 200 ft TOTAL distance required to pass safely is 1760 ft (30 seconds). To complete a pass safely you must take ALL factors into account Judging the Relative Speed and Distance of Oncoming Vehicles Passing Time/Space Needs — Oncoming Vehicles Passing Time/Space Needs — Oncoming Vehicles Topic 3 Lesson 1 T –5.24 b The example below is based on the approaching vehicle traveling at 40 mph.  Red vehicle will need 780 feet to complete the pass  Brown vehicle will travel 780 feet  Allows a minimum 200 ft. space cushion

Passing Considerations — Larger Vehicles Passing Considerations — Larger Vehicles T – 5.25 Topic 3 Lesson 1 Passing a 90-foot tractor trailer Would require an additional 5 seconds for the Red vehicleWould require an additional 5 seconds for the Red vehicle 90-foot truck + 15-foot car = 75 feet additional distance traveled = 5 seconds 18 seconds x 60 fps = 1080 feet needed by Red vehicle18 seconds x 60 fps = 1080 feet needed by Red vehicle If there is an oncoming vehicle traveling 40 mph, the total clear distance needed to pass safely becomes 1360 feet (23 seconds) (space cushion) Daylight Headlight Use Enhances Safety an approaching vehicle without headlights becomes visible at about 2,200 to 2,500 feet an approaching vehicle with headlights becomes visible at distances up to 4500 feet Passing on Multi-lane Roadways safer than on two lane roadways head-on crashes are rare will not feel rushed into returning to the lane can safely pass larger vehicles that require more time and space to pass

Passing Procedures T – 5.26 Topic 3 Lesson 1 2 – 3 Seconds Prepare to Pass: Position vehicle two to three seconds behind the vehicle to be passed. Check mirrors, blind spot and oncoming traffic. Check ahead for safe passing distance. Signal intention. Overtake the Ongoing Vehicle: Accelerate into passing lane. Accelerate quickly to a legal appropriate speed. Monitor the path ahead. Check the mirror for following vehicles. Return to Lane: Check rear-view mirror for the front of the vehicle being passed. Signal intention. Change lanes and maintain speed. Cancel turn signal.

Information Processing: Complex Risk Environments Topic 1 -- Characteristics of Expressways Topic 2 -- Entering, Changing Lanes, and Exiting Topic 3 -- High Speed Considerations Module Six Transparencies Virginia Department of Education Provided in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

Controlled access (limited entry and exit) Controlled access (limited entry and exit) High speed (up to 65 mph) High speed (up to 65 mph) Divided by a barrier or median Divided by a barrier or median Multiple lanes Multiple lanes May have minimum speed limit May have minimum speed limit Only for motorized vehicles Only for motorized vehicles Characteristics of an Expressway Characteristics of an Expressway T – 6.1 Topic 1 Lesson 1

Cloverleaf Interchange T – 6.2 Topic 1 Lesson 2 A cloverleaf interchange A cloverleaf interchange has a series of entrance and exit ramps that resemble the outline of a four leaf clover. allows for the interchange of two expressways or major roadways. has shared entrance and exit weave lanes. This design Traffic is permitted to move ONLY in the direction indicated by the arrows.

Diamond Interchange T – 6.3 Topic 1 Lesson 2 A diamond interchange A diamond interchange is designed to be used when a road with slower speeds crosses a busy expressway. Traffic is permitted to move ONLY in the direction indicated by the arrows. for the interchange of a major roadway with a secondary dual or multiple lane roadway. This design allows:

Trumpet Interchange T – 6.4 Topic 1 Lesson 2 A trumpet interchange A trumpet interchange is used when an intersecting side road forms a T intersection with the expressway. Traffic is permitted to move ONLY in the direction indicated by the arrows. This design: accommodates the T-intersection flow of traffic at the junction of two roadways. allows for traffic on a secondary two-way street to merge onto a multiple lane roadway.

Frontage Road Interchange T – 6.5 Topic 1 Lesson 2 Frontage Road Interchanges Frontage Road Interchanges allow vehicles using parallel secondary two-way or one-way roadways to merge onto a major multiple lane roadway. Traffic is permitted to move ONLY in the direction indicated by the arrows. drivers to exit a multiple lane roadway and use the parallel frontage road. secondary road traffic flows to mix efficiently with higher speed traffic flows on the multiple lane roadway. This design allows:

Common Expressway Signs Interstate signs Warning signs Guide signs Speed limit signs T – 6.6 Topic 1 Lesson 3 A major contributor to your decision as to how you will maintain a safe path of travel, proper lane position, and your lane choice, is based on the information provided by the road signs and lane markings.

Common Expressway Signals Lane Signals T – 6.7 Topic 1 Lesson 3 GREEN arrow A GREEN arrow over a lane — the lane is open for travel. YELLOW “ X ” A YELLOW “ X ” over a lane — travel in that lane is about to change or close. RED “ X ” A RED “ X ” over a lane — travel in that lane is closed or prohibited. Reversible lane signals

Expressway Lane Markings T – 6.8 Topic 1 Lesson 3 Solid YELLOW line Solid WHITE line Broken WHITE line HOV lanes marks the left edge of the roadway. should always be on the driver’s left side. separates lanes of traffic going in the same direction. marks the right edge of the roadway, or entrance and exit lanes. are marked with a white diamond. require a minimum number of passengers in the vehicle. Traffic Flow (high occupancy vehicle)

Entrance Ramps T – 6.9 Topic 2 Lesson 1 Entrance Ramp Acceleration Lane Merge Area Entrance ramps provide one-way directional access to an expressway. The ramp is divided into three sections: 1. The Entrance or Access Ramp — 1. The Entrance or Access Ramp — gives the driver time to begin evaluating traffic conditions. 2. The Acceleration Lane — 2. The Acceleration Lane — allows a driver to adjust vehicle speed to the speed of traffic on the expressway. 3. The Merging Area — 3. The Merging Area — allows the driver to merge onto the expressway.

Entering the Entrance Ramp Entrance Ramp Enter the Entrance Ramp Begin Searching for a Gap / Open Space Identify Gap / Space T – 6.10 Topic 2 Lesson 1 Entrance Ramp

Use the left-lane signal indicator Adjust speed to match the speed of the traffic on the expressway Monitor gap on expressway Acceleration Lane T – 6.11 Topic 2 Lesson 1 Acceleration Lane

 Accelerate to blend with the speed of traffic on the expressway  Check Rear and Left Rear Zones Entering Merge Area T – 6.12 Topic 2 Lesson 1 Merge Area Merge Area

Check Front Zone Check Front Zone Check Rear and Left Rear Zones Check Rear and Left Rear Zones Select Gap Select Gap Identify a Target Area in the Open Space Identify a Target Area in the Open Space Selecting a Gap in Traffic T – 6.13 Topic 2 Lesson 1 Merge Area Target Area

Merging into the Traffic Flow T – 6.14 Topic 2 Lesson 1 Continue searching for adequate gap Continue searching for adequate gap Search for potential conflicts Search for potential conflicts Prepare to adjust speed Prepare to adjust speed Avoid stopping on the ramp Avoid stopping on the ramp Be prepared to drive onto the shoulder if necessary Be prepared to drive onto the shoulder if necessary Merge smoothly Merge smoothly Create space around your vehicle once you have entered the lane Create space around your vehicle once you have entered the lane

Selecting the Appropriate Lane Topic 2 Lesson 1 T – 6.15 When merging onto an expressway, stay in the right lane until you become accustomed to the faster traffic flow. Center Vehicle in Proper Lane Center Vehicle in Proper Lane Adjust Speed to Traffic Flow and Legal Limit Adjust Speed to Traffic Flow and Legal Limit

Reduced Risk Lane Changes T – 6.16 Topic 2 Lesson 2 Entering or exiting Entering or exiting Allowing another driver to enter Allowing another driver to enter Following large or slow-moving vehicles Following large or slow-moving vehicles Lane ahead becomes blocked Lane ahead becomes blocked Being tailgated Being tailgated Animals Animals Passing Passing Reasons for changing lanes include: EntranceRamp ExitRamp

Reduced Risk Lane Changes T – 6.16a Topic 2 Lesson 2 Steps to safely change lanes: Maintain a safe following distance from the vehicles in front of you. Check traffic ahead, behind and to the sides (mirrors and head check). Signal your intention to change lanes. Select a safe gap in traffic. Re-check blind spots in the direction of the lane change. Adjust your speed — if clear, steer smoothly to the new lane, if not, wait and cancel your turn signal. Move one lane at a time. Scan in direction of the BLUE arrows

Choosing Lanes at Exit or Entrance Choosing Lanes at Exit or Entrance Right Lane: Heavier and slower vehicles Vehicles entering the expressway Vehicles getting ready to exit Left Lane: Higher speed and passing traffic Exit / Entry Right Lane Center Lane Left Lane T – 6.17 Topic 2 Lesson 2 Center Lane: Long distance or passing

Passing on Multi-Lane Roads T – 6.19 Topic 2 Lesson 3  Check traffic ahead, to the sides, and behind  Signal  Make a head check  Accelerate smoothly  Change lanes smoothly  Cancel signal  Pass and signal to return  Check mirrors  When both sets of headlights of the vehicle being passed are visible, return to the lane  Cancel signal  Adjust speed and/or vehicle position to create space all around your vehicle The RED line shows path of the red car. The BLUE arrows show where the driver ’ s eyes are searching.

When Being Passed Monitor passing vehicle’s position Move to lane position 3 to increase space cushion Do not increase speed—decelerate if necessary Once passed, create space ahead and behind move away T – 6.20 Topic 2 Lesson 3