Chapter 11
Expressways What is a "controlled access" highway? One that has a limited access where you can only enter & leave at interchanges
Why do expressways have fewer collisions? (5) No cross traffic/median/ no pedestrians, bikes, or slow-moving vehicles/wide shoulders/signs to help anticipate conditions
Interchanges Cloverleaf- shaped like it's name Diamond- little traffic crosses it Trumpet - a side road intersects in a "T" at the expressway All-Directional - complicated intersections with high volume traffic
Expressway Entrances What are the 3 parts of an expressway entrance? The "entrance ramp" The "acceleration lane" - allows you time to search for a place to merge - if it's too short, you need a longer gap between cars to enter The "merging area" - merge at about the same speed as the vehicles in the nearest lane
Maximum speed - usually stated Minimum speed - shouldn't go slower unless conditions warrant it Common speed - speed used by most drivers - you should drive at the posted speed What is a "Wolf Pack"? Bunches of vehicles - try to adjust your speed to avoid these
What is the ideal "following distance" on an expressway? 3 seconds What should you increase the following distance to when conditions are not ideal? 4 seconds
What should you do if you get on the wrong expressway ramp? Continue on the expressway to the next exit - never back up on an entrance ramp What is a major problem when the entrance ramp is on the left side of the expressway? The vehicles are merging into the left lane of the expressway which is usually used for high speed traffic
Is passing allowed on the right? You should pass on the left however; you may pass on the right on an expressway if the left lane is occupied by a slower driver
Exiting Expressways Deceleration lane- an added lane in which to slow down your vehicle Exit ramp - leads off the expressway What are some problems when exiting an expressway? Often the same lane is used for exiting and entering
What is "Highway Hypnosis"? Being lulled into an inattentive or drowsy state What are some things you can do to when you notice drowsiness while driving? Sit up/open a window/ stop at next exit and stretch or exercise/ take a nap in a safe area
What is "velocitation"? Unconsciously driving too fast, usually after hours of driving What are "rumble strips"? Rough sections built into a roadway to give you a warning & remind you to check your speed
How many lanes should you change at once? 1 lane Why is it not safe to drive in between two trucks? Trucks take longer to stop/ you can't see well around. Them
What color is the panel on an overhead sign on an expressway? Yellow What does the overhead signal show to indicate that your lane will be closed further ahead? A yellow X
What colors are "do not enter" signs Red & White When passing on an expressway, you should always do what? Signal and check the traffic behind you
How do traffic controls help with safety? They warn and give information