EXPRESSWAY

Freeway entrances are identified with signs. In most cases, once an on-ramp is entered you must proceed onto the freeway.

On-ramps may have special posted cautionary speed signs which should be obeyed as

they are there for a reason. (extreme curves)

.

Let’s now notice a typical merge

Listen carefully to the procedures concerning this merge.

Movie will play – merge video

Merging

Merging

What is the purpose of the first head check early on ramp?

Check the volume and speed of traffic.

(so you’ll know how fast to accelerate)

If the traffic is heavy, be alert to sudden stops by traffic already on the freeway and be prepared

to slow as you merge.

Begin looking for a space to merge. Also, quickly accelerate.

What is the purpose of the second head check as the ramp begins to straighten?

What should you do as you are now building up speed?

Signal, check outside mirror, and make a final head check to the left.

Enter the freeway at approximately the same speed as traffic.

Make necessary speed adjustments. (speed up or slow down) Do not try and squeeze into a gap that is too small.

However, what will you do if you can not get over because other vehicles are preventing your merge?

Do not stop in the accelerationlane. (unless due to trafficcongestion) Traffic will not expect you to stop and youcould cause an accident.

If you still cannot get in, you may have to USE PART OF THE SHOULDER until traffic opens up.

Do not force yourself over and do not brake hard.

(you could cause a rear-end crash)

Be prepared for unusual merging situations ...especially during construction.

Stay back and let him merge; then you can quickly accelerate and complete your merge.

What should you do if there is a slow moving truck in front of you on the merge ramp?

Movie will play – merge truck video

Following a merging truck

Following a merging truck

In addition to merging onto this expressway, what is another concern?

uneven pavement

Remember, speeding in a construction work zone, the $$$ fine will ___________.

You predict a conflict with this merger. What should you do to avoid the conflict?

Change lanes or brake.

If you are moving with the flow of traffic, why is it usually best to drive in the center lane?

To avoid conflicts with mergers.

The vehicle to our right may lane change into our lane as we approach it’s blind spot.

(better stay back in case this occurs)

You notice the merger and this car will have a conflict. In addition, the van is slowing to exit. What is your concern?

In many

urban

areas,

what

is the

maximum

freeway

speed

limit?

So faster traffic is not

delayed.

So faster traffic is not

delayed.

Why is it best for slow drivers to stay in the right lane?

Left lanes should be used for passing

slower vehicles. Buses, large trucks, and vehicles towing trailers must use the right lane or specially marked lanes for these

slower moving vehicles. Some slower vehicles must

observe a 55 mph limit.

NOT REALLY! (notice when the car in front passes a white dash on the pavement to start calculating your 3-second interval)

Count…100110021003

At 55 mph do you think you are 3 seconds behind this vehicle?

This is much better!

Sometimes, a 3-second following distance does not work effectively in heavy traffic. Stay alert

for brake lights several cars ahead.

Sometimes, a 3-second following distance does not work effectively in heavy traffic. Stay alert

for brake lights several cars ahead.

It is against the law to tailgate other drivers. You could be cited with a traffic ticket.

What is danger of following too closely here?

It reduces the possibility of hydroplaning.

In heavy rain, why is it best to drive in the tire wipes of the vehicle in front of you?

On expressways, what are some problems associated

with sun glare?

In sun glare, brake lights and traffic signs are hard to see. This is especially dangerous at higher speeds.

In sun glare, brake lights and traffic signs are hard to see. This is especially dangerous at higher speeds.

You will be soon entering this vehicle’s ____________

Rightfrontzone

Rightrearzone

Leftrearzone

Leftfrontzone

Rear zone

Front zone

Keep your

blind spots

open

and

stay out of their

blind

spots.

What

is the

possible

result of

tailgating

other

drivers?

Keep your

blind spots

open

and

stay out of their

blind

spots.

What

is the

possible

result of

tailgating

other

drivers?

You’re moving along at the speed limit approaching this slower moving truck. What should you be considering?

Drop back to re-establish a proper following distance.

As this car lane changes in front of you, what should you do?

On expressways check your mirrors frequently, about every 7-10 seconds. This passing car will soon enter your _____________

Can you read this?

OBJECTS IN MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR.

Would it be safe to lane change to the right now?

How should you pass slower vehicles on the interstate?

Rather quickly so as to not linger in their blind spot. (Half the drivers on the road do not regularly make head checks.)

As long as you can see their face, they can still see you

After passing this vehicle, when will you know it is safe to change lanes in front of it?

It is safe when you see it’s headlights in your rear view mirror.

After passing this vehicle, when will you know it is safe to change lanes in front of it?

Not while you see brake lights ahead!Not while you see brake lights ahead!

Is it safe to begin passing this large truck? Is it safe to begin passing this large truck?

You do not want to exit at Kirchoff Road, what must you do here?

Which number is the US route?Which number is the US route?

Which is the Interstate? Which is the Interstate?

This is a state route.This is a state route.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower initiated the building of the Interstate system. An efficient high speed road system was necessary to quickly move military equipment across the country.

EISENHOWER

INTERSTATE

SYSTEM

Speed limits on Interstates vary from from state to state.

Speed limits on Interstates vary from from state to state.

Continuous long distance driving on Interstates can lead to highway hypnosis, an unawareness of the

driving task, a dangerous inattentiveness.

Continuous long distance driving on Interstates can lead to highway hypnosis, an unawareness of the

driving task, a dangerous inattentiveness.

What are some ways of preventing this?

- frequent rest breaks (at least every 2-3 hours)

- music, talk with passengers, traffic games, etc.

Continuous long distance driving on Interstates is also the safest time to use your cruise control,

but only when traffic is not heavy.

What action(s) can you take to cancel the cruise control?

Tap on the brake pedal or push the OFF button.

Beware of unexpected surprises on Interstates, such this one in southern California.

Beware of unexpected surprises on Interstates,

...and this one in Cleveland, Ohio.

Beware of unexpected surprises on Interstates,

...and this one in an Amish community.

Beware of unexpected surprises on Interstates, ...and this one in southern California.

You may also encounter speed reductions as you approach populated areas.

Also notice special

messages boards.

This number provides information on delays due

to heavy traffic, construction, collisions,

etc.

All states now have seat belt laws!

This light is flashing yellow. What does it mean?

CAUTION: It will soon turn into a red X. (reversible

lanes)

CAUTION: It will soon turn into a red X. (reversible

lanes)

NO, it’s an adjoining lane situation. (but, do these drivers know this?)

You may want to lane change.

There’s a ramp on the right. Is this a merge situation?

Yes, this speed limit is applicable only when weather and road conditions are good.

(Basic Speed Law)

If you were traveling on this road, could you get a ticket for traveling 65 mph?

If you were traveling on this road, could you get a ticket for traveling 65 mph?

Why are breakdowns more dangerous on expressways?

Use your cell phone. What emergency number should you call?

heavy traffic…higher speeds…shoulder riders

What are some precautions to take if it happens?

The emergency cell phone number varies from state to state and often within the state.

This is in northern Illinois.

This is in Massachusetts.

In many other states…

If you do have a roadside emergency, be sure to get as far to the right as possible.

There are many different toll way systems in various states.

Be sure you know where you are going!

Typically, tolls vary from state to state.What if you do not have ANY MONEY?

Go to a manual lane and they’ll explain the procedure.

Video camera…records license number…WHY?

Any idea what this is?

What is illegal here?

What does this sign mean?

You’re getting off at the exit ahead, in addition to signaling, what should you be doing now?

You’re getting off at the exit ahead, in addition to signaling, what should you be doing now?

Right shoulder head check

Same exit, you made your right head check and it is clear, what is your next concern?

Reduce speed to control the sharp curve of this ramp. Some ramps have very sharp curves and this is

especially dangerous when pavement is wet or icy.

What is the potential for trouble on this ramp?

Vehicles with a raised center of gravity could tip over if traveling too fast.

You must lane change _______ to go Downtown Milwaukee?

As you are making your right shoulder blind spot check, you are looking out of the backseat right side window.

It’s not necessary to look out the rear windshield.

When you make your head check on a multilane road be

careful of other drivers who may

also intend to move into the same

lane at the same time!

You are exiting up ahead but predict a conflict with the merging pickup truck. What is

your decision to avoid this conflict?

Slow down and let them in.Slow down and let them in. You’re slowing down anyway to exit, while You’re slowing down anyway to exit, while

the pickup truck is speeding up to the pickup truck is speeding up to enter.enter.

However, if there are many cars on the ramp when you are intending to exit, pick two of them and try

to maneuver your vehicle between them.

This can be sometimes be stressful.

Also, notice some exits may have a left exit instead of the usual right side exit.

Also, be aware of suggested ramp speeds…you may be traveling faster than you realize.

When exiting, pay close attention to multiple turn lanes.

Movie will play – db turn lane

Double left turn lane

Double left turn lane

Same intersection, where will you end up after finishing your turn?

Next to yellow median strip.

Be sure you do not ________ into the next lane.

DEALING with TRUCKS

• Stay away from them• Pass rather quickly if safe• Stay out of “no-zones”

What are some strategies for dealing with large trucks?

The trucker may not be able to stop if this car suddenly slowed down. You could be crushed!

What is a danger of you passing this truck and then intending to cut over in front of it?

Why are you not satisfied with your position here?

Because you cannot “Get the Big Picture” you are close to “no-zones” and following too close...

(change lanes if possible)

Movie will play - trucks

DEALING with TRUCKS

DEALING with TRUCKS

What if you

are being

tailgated

by a large

truck

on the

Interstate?

Speed up, change lanes and let him pass.

In Motion magazine, a General Motors publication

End of Expressway / Interstate

Quiz time…how much do you remember?

1)1) What is the purpose of the first head check early on the expressway ramp? ______________________________

1)2) True or False: If at the merging point you have conflicts with drivers you should make speed adjustments and/or use part of the shoulder until a space develops________

1)3) True or False: On the entrance ramp there is a slow- moving truck in front of you. Stay close, and after it merges, quickly accelerate, merge and pass it. __________________

1)4) If you are not exiting soon, why is it best to stay out of the right lane. _________________________________

1)5) Continuous long distance driving on Interstates is the safest environment to use your vehicles’ ______________

6) As cars can quickly appear and pass you, how often is it good to check your mirrors? ________________________

1)7) After passing a slower vehicle on the expressway, when will you know it is safe to change lanes in front of it? __________________________________________

1)8) True or False: In car pool lanes you must have at least two people in the vehicle ______

1)9) What is a safe strategy for dealing with large trucks? _______________________________________________

1)10) What if you are being tailgated by a large truck on the Interstate? _______________________________

1)11) Maximum speed limit on most Interstate ______________

12) When getting ready to exit…if you have a conflict with another merging car you should ______________________

End of Expressway / Interstate