Chapter 16 Driving on Highways

Classification of Highways 16.1 Three Classifications of Highway Systems 1. Interstate Highway System Controlled access: vehicles can enter and leave only at designated interchanges. Interchanges: places where drivers can cross over or under traffic as well as enter or leave the freeway. Freeways: multi lane divided highways designed for high speeds. (at least 2 lanes)

Traffic is separated by grade elevation. Grade elevation: bridges and tunnels are used to direct traffic over or under other travel lanes. May have tolls. “Free” ways = without traffic lights Even numbers run east a and west beginning in the south Odd numbers run north and south beginning on west coast

Expressways May have non-controlled access. (Could have traffic lights, intersections, and driveways) Distraction could lead to greater risk of rear- ending the vehicle ahead or of being rear- ended by others.

Turnpike- use to designate a toll road but may no longer charge tolls. Turnpikes and Parkways Turnpike- use to designate a toll road but may no longer charge tolls. Parkways- may have a stop sign at the end of the entrance ramp and no acceleration lane. May have traffic lights. Commercial traffic and billboards are prohibited.

U.S. Highways Connects state to state Non-controlled access Intersections with traffic controls to separate crossing traffic. State Highways Within the boundaries of the state Most are narrow two-lane roadways in rural areas Some may be expressways or controlled access freeways

Freeway Interchanges Cloverleaf Series of entrance and exit ramps that resembles a four leaf clover. Proceed in either direction on either highway.

Diamond Used when a road that crosses a busy highway has little traffic.

Trumpet Used where one highway forms a T- Intersection with a freeway

complicated intersection With high-volume traffic. channeled in many All directional interchange Used in complicated intersection With high-volume traffic. channeled in many different directions.

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

Entering the Entrance Ramp Enter the Entrance Ramp Begin Searching for a Gap / Open Space Identify Gap / Space Entrance Ramp Entrance Ramp

The entrance ramp Hole in traffic Never back up on entrance ramp When other vehicles are on the entrance ramp, adjust your speed to 3 or more seconds of space. Hole in traffic An empty space between traffic clusters.

Ramp Metering Used to control large volumes of traffic entering expressways Uses a system of lights and sensors Allows only a few cars at a time to enter congested limited access highways

Use the left-lane signal indicator Acceleration Lane Use the left-lane signal indicator Adjust speed to match the speed of the traffic on the expressway Monitor gap on expressway Acceleration Lane Acceleration Lane

Entering Merge Area Accelerate to blend with the speed of traffic on the expressway Check Rear and Left Rear Zones Merge Area

Selecting a Gap in Traffic Check Front Zone Check Rear and Left Rear Zones Select Gap Signal and glance over left outside mirror and left shoulder Identify a Target Area in the Open Space Increase speed for a smooth merge Adjust your speed to match the traffic flow Cancel your signal & have 3 sec follow dist. Merge Area Target Area

Strategies for Driving on Highways Applying the IPDE Process and Zone Control Identify: visual information from farther ahead, closed front zones. Don’t become trapped between two large vehicles. Predict: Search for slower traffic or drivers changing lanes and anticipate closed zones and points of conflict. Decide: Driving speeds on highways demand that you make quicker decisions. Execute: Signal early and maintain 3 seconds following distance.

Choosing Lanes at Exit or Entrance Right Lane: Heavier and slower vehicles Vehicles entering the expressway Vehicles getting ready to exit Exit / Entry Right Lane Center Lane Left Lane Left Lane: Higher speed and passing traffic Trucks and towing trailers restricted Center Lane: Long distance or passing Heavy traffic in right lane

When following large trucks or buses When following motorcycles INCREASE When following large trucks or buses When following motorcycles When driving in bad weather When being tailgated When driving with a heavy load or pulling a trailer When entering/exiting the expressway

Lane choice Scan signs quickly and frequently. Overhead sign with a yellow panel indicates the exit lane. All traffic must exit. Reversible lanes Traffic can travel in either direction depending on certain conditions. Used during commuter hour where traffic in and out of city is heaviest.

High Occupancy Vehicle(HOV) lanes For buses and vehicles that have tow or more occupants. Ex. Arizona & California High Occupancy toll (HOT) lanes Drivers pay a fee in order to drive in an HOV lane with only one person in the vehicle.

When Changing Lanes Weaving from lane to lane can lead to collision. Conflict created when two drivers head for same space at the same time from opposite sides after passing a vehicle. Remember exit ramps can be on the left side. Closed roads for construction. Illegal to use shoulder or median as a driving lane in traffic.

When Being Passed Monitor passing vehicle’s position. Move to lane position 3 to increase space cushion Do not increase speed when being passed — decelerate if necessary Once passed, create space ahead and behind move away

Passing Before you pass, evaluate the zone and signal. Check blind spot to the left or right. Passing on left is best. Passing on right can be dangerous because it is less expected and peripheral vision is less effective than their central vision.

2. The Exit Ramp — the ramp leading off the highway. 1. The Deceleration Lane — an added lane where it’s safe to slow your vehicle without blocking the vehicles behind you. Deceleration Lane 2. The Exit Ramp — the ramp leading off the highway. Pay attention to the exit ramp speed

Applying the IPDE Process at exits Identify the green guide signs that show the distance to your exit Identify any potential weave pattern before you reach your exit Identify closed and open zones Predict actions of other drivers who might be using the same exit Decide on the best speed and lane position before getting in the deceleration lane. Execute your maneuver smoothly and blend with slower traffic

Exiting the Expressway Signal Maintain speed while on the expressway Use mirrors to check behind and to the sides Check mirror blind zones Move into deceleration lane Prepare to decelerate quickly Exit Ramp Deceleration Lane Deceleration Lane

Adjusting Exit Speed Brake to Warning Sign Speed — Check Behind Scan New Path of Travel to the Front Search for Traffic Control Signs or Signals Exit Ramp Deceleration Lane

Highway Hypnosis Is a dulled or drowsy condition that can occur when driving long distances Situation becomes worse when the driver’s eyes focus on the center line. Plan breaks and rest stops to combat highway hypnosis or go to a safe area for rest or sleep when tired.

Expressways through cities Avoid driving in the right lane when vehicles are merging Search for signs, signals, and roadway markings Search for exits early and adjust position in adequate time to exit safely Don’t make last minute lane changes to gain access to an exit Monitor the zones around your vehicle and adjust position to create space cushions Disabled vehicles Check rear zones, signal, and move as far away from traffic possible Turn hazards on Never stand in the highway Remain in vehicle, lock doors, call for help.

Special Roadway Conditions Construction areas Use caution when approaching: Search ahead for warning signs. Reduce your speed. Adjust position to maintain a space around your vehicle. Toll booths Exact change booths — The driver deposits coins (exact change) into a machine. Attendant operated booths — For large vehicles or drivers without exact change. Electronically operated booths — For drivers with prepaid accounts (IPass). When exiting a toll-booth plaza, search traffic to both sides for open space, accelerate smoothly, and adjust speed to blend with the flow of traffic.