Volume 152, March 2021, 105966 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2020.105966Get rights and content Freeway on-ramp merging areas Safety performance assessment Traffic conflict techniques Probabilistic risk analysis
1 1. An expressway is a __________-access highway. 2 Chapter Review 13. Higher speeds on the expressway, multiple lanes to watch, and heavier volumes of traffic make the identify step of the IPDE process more________. difficult 14. Generally, the _______lane is safer to drive in and the left lane is used to pass. right 15. When traffic is heavy in the right lane, especially at entrance ramps during rush hour traffic, use the _______or left lane to avoid conflict in the far right lane. center 16. Expressways may have lane ________ ______ that will tell you if the lane is open or closed to traffic. control signals minimum 17. _________speed limit- the slowest you can legally drive and It keeps traffic from moving slow. 18. Stay at least ____seconds behind vehicles in front of you, and increase this space to a minimum of four seconds in bad weather, night driving and on higher speed rural sections of the interstate. two 19. Avoid driving beside of, or between two ______ because of their extremely large blind spot areas. trucks 20. Change _____ lane at a time. Signal every lane change. one 21. Passing on the expressway is usually ________ than on a two-lane highway because there is little threat of a head-on collision. 22. Passing on the left is common on expressways. However, passing on the ______ is permitted if a slower driver is in the left lane. 23. If you are continually being passed on the right, move to the lane on your______ when it is safe to do so. safer right right 3 Remember: If you miss the exit you want, go on to the _________ 4 Chapter 11 Expressway Driving 5 11.1 Characteristics of Expressway Driving 6 Characteristics of Expressway Driving 7 Advantages of Expressways 8 Advantages of Expressways 9 Advantages of Expressways 10 Advantages of Expressways 11 Advantages of Expressways 12 Expressway Interchanges 13 Expressway Interchanges 14 Expressway Interchanges 15 Expressway Interchanges 16 Safe Driving Strategies 17 Prepare Yourself and Your Vehicle 18 Concentrate on the Driving Task 19 11.2 Entering an Expressway 20 Steps for Entering an Expressway 21 Steps for Entering an Expressway 22 Possible Entrance Problems 23 Entrance Ramp Signs and Signals 24 Entrance Ramp Signs and Signals 25 Acceleration Lane Problems 26 Merging Area Problems Adjusting your speed is critical to timing a smooth entrance into traffic. A closed front zone may cause you to reduce your speed. Once on the expressway, accelerate as you establish a safe following distance. 27 Entrance Ramp on Left A few ramps will have you enter traffic from the left. This is more dangerous than entering from the right as you are entering into the fast lane of traffic. Check your rearview mirrors and over your right shoulder for blind spots. Your view may be obstructed due to head restraints and roof supports. It may be more difficult to see a small car or a motorcyclist. Signal, look for a gap, accelerate and merge into the traffic lane. 28 11.3 Strategies for Driving on Expressways 29 Applying the IPDE Process 30 Lane Choice Decide which lane is the best lane to drive in. 31 Lane Selection Each lane of the expressway presents a certain amount of stress for drivers. Driving in the left lane is the most stressful of all lanes. This is where aggressive, competitive tailgaters are most likely to be found. Driving in the right lane has the least amount of stress from rear traffic, but the most stress from vehicles exiting and entering the highway. Because restrictions prevent trucks from driving in the left lane of certain roadways, the middle lane becomes their passing lane. When traffic is heavy in the right lane, especially at entrance ramps during rush hour traffic, use the center or left lane to avoid conflict in the far right lane. 32 Signs, Signals, and Roadway Markings 33 Signs, Signals, and Roadway Markings 34 Speed Limits 70 mph with a Minimum speed limit of 45. 35 Speed Limits In Tennessee the maximum speed limit for urban areas is 55 mph with a Minimum speed limit of 45. Minimum speed limit- the slowest you can legally drive and It keeps traffic from moving slow. If no speed limit is posted, follow the basic speed law (drive at a speed that is safe and prudent for the weather and roadway conditions). In Tennessee the minimum speed limit on the interstate is 45 mph. 36 Speed Limits Common speed- the speed used by most drivers. It will help you blend in better. Resist the temptation to keep up with the faster drivers. Wolf packs- bunches of vehicles being driven together on the expressway. 37 Following Stay at least two seconds behind vehicles in front of you, and increase this space to a minimum of four seconds in bad weather, night driving and on higher speed rural sections of the interstate. 38 Following Increase your following distance when you are: 39 Blind Spots Occur in both your right and left-rear zones. Check these 40 Blind Spots because of their extremely large blind spot areas. 41 Lane Changing Keep lane changing to a minimum as unnecessary weaving 42 Passing and Being Passed 43 11.4: Exiting Expressways This section focuses on exiting expressways properly. It also addresses possible exit problems. Section 4 Objectives: Following this section, I will be able to: 1. Explain how to apply the IPDE Process to exit and expressway. 2. List the steps for exiting an expressway. 3. Describe three possible exiting problems. 44 Exiting Expressways Leaving an expressway safely requires advanced planning and skill. Remember: If you miss the exit you want, go on to the next exit. Never stop or back up if you go past your exit. Use the IPDE Process to plan your exit. 45 Steps for Exiting Check front and rear zones at least ½ mile in advance of exit. Signal and move into correct lane for exit. Do not reduce your speed until you are in the deceleration lane. 2. Move into deceleration lane and cancel your signal. 3. Flash brakes lights to warn drivers you are slowing down. Check your rear zones. Slow gradually and keep a safe space cushion ahead and behind you. 4. Identify exit-ramp speed sign and adjust to posted speed. Predict a STOP or YILED sign at the end of the exit ramp 46 Possible Exiting Problems 47 11.5: Special Expressway Problems 48 Driver Condition Driving for long periods of time can affect drivers. 49 Roadway Conditions . Expressways through cities- usually have more exit and entrance ramps than rural areas. Use the IPDE Process. 2. Roadway repair- Be alert for repair zones. Watch for signs and speed limit signs. Reduce your speed and follow directions of construction workers. If an expressway lane is closed, use only lanes that are open for traffic. (Fines are often doubled for speeding in construction zones). Rural interstate highways- watch for highway hypnosis and velocitation. Try not to let larger vehicles tailgate you. 50 Roadway Conditions Tollbooths- you pay a fee (toll) for driving on that expressway. Look for green light to indicate open lane. Three types of toll booths: 1. Automatic- driver deposits exact change (coins) into a machine 2. Attendant operated- for those who need to make change or for larger vehicles 3. Electronically operated- drivers pre-pay and get an electronic device. The electronic device automatically subtracts the toll charge from the prepaid account when driver goes through tollbooth 51 Disabled Vehicle If you encounter trouble with your vehicle and it becomes disabled, follow these steps: 1. Check rear zones, signal, and pull as far as possible onto the shoulder or median. (All four wheel off any traveled highway) 2. Turn on hazard signals. Get everyone out of the car and away from traffic if the vehicle is not very far off of the road. Raise the hood, tie a while cloth to the antenna or door handle. Call for help if you have a cell phone. 4. Use emergency flares or reflectors if you have them. Set them out 500 feet behind your vehicle. 5. Get back into your vehicle and lock the doors. Never get into a stranger’s vehicle. If someone stops to offer assistance, have them call to get help for you. 6. Do not stand in the expressway to direct traffic. 52 Move Over Law Tennessee law requires that motorists yield the lane closest to any emergency, maintenance or recovery vehicle that is stopped on the shoulder of the roadway. This applies to interstates and any multi-lane highway (with four or more lanes) that has at least two lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 |