CHAPTER 11Driving on Expressways

Characteristics of Expressway Driving 11.1

An expressway is a limited-access or controlled-access highway-pg 222

Expressways have fewer collisions for five main reasons-pg 222

Cross traffic is eliminated. Expressways have a median or barrier

between opposing lanes of traffic. Pedestrians, nonmotorized vehicles, and

slow- moving vehicles are not permitted on most expressways.

11.1 continued

Wide shoulders ands extra-wide underpasses provide good escape paths.

Expressways signs are designed to help drivers anticipate conditions well ahead.

Interchanges are places where drivers can cross over or under as well as enter or leave the expressway. Pg-222

Know the different types of interchanges. Pg 222-223

Safe driving strategies-For short trips, know the name, route, or number for both the entrance and exit you will use. Pg-223

11.1 Continued

For long-distance trips, plan stops for food, fuel, and rest. Pg 223

Build experience gradually-When you are driving in very light traffic, practice lane changes even when there are no vehicles to pass. Pg 224

Entering an Expressway-11.2

Entrance ramp-pg-225 Acceleration lane-pg-225 Merging area-pg-225 Steps for entering-Make sure you search for

gaps in traffic and adjust your speed to match the flow of traffic. You might have to speed up or slow down. Pg 226

Entrance ramp problems-If you make an error and enter the wrong entrance ramp, continue onto the expressway. Drive to the next exit. Never back up on an entrance ramp or on an expressway. Pg-227

11.2 Continued

Acceleration lane problems-Make every effort to enter an expressway without stopping. Pg-227

Entrance ramp on the left-Since this lane is usually used for high-speed traffic, the potential for conflict is greater than when you enter from the right. Pg-228

Strategies for Driving on Expressways-11.3

Apply the I.P.D.E. process-pg-229 Lane choice-Law in Illinois, you can only

drive in the left lane for a mile without passing. Drive further than a mile, you can get pulled over. Generally safer to stay in the right lane. Pg-230

Signs, Signals, and Roadway Markings-Some overhead signs tell you if lanes are open or closed to traffic. Green arrow-lane open, yellow arrow-closed ahead, red arrow-lane already closed.- pg 230-231

11.3-Continued

Minimum speed limit-The lowest legal speed you can drive under ideal conditions. Pg-231

Common speed-Speed used by most drivers. Sometimes the common speed is above the maximum speed limit. Resist the temptation to increase your speed to keep up with faster vehicles. Pg-231

Wolf Packs-Bunches of vehicles-picture on 231 Following Distance-Increase your following to 4

seconds if conditions are less than ideal. Know the 8 bulleted items on page 232.

11.3 –Continued

Lane Changing-Change lanes one at a time. Signal every lane change. Pg-233

Passing and Being Passed-Make these actions automatic when you pass-signal your lane change and check your blindspot. Pg-234.

Exiting Expressway-11.4

Deceleration Lane-An added lane in which to slow your vehicle. Try not to decelerate until you are off the expressway. Pg-235

Exit Ramp-the ramp leading off the expressway. Pg-235

Ramp Overflow-Rather than joining the overflow and risking a rear-end collision, go past the exit and use the next exit. Pg-237

Special Expressway Problems-11.5

Highway Hypnosis-Inattentive, drowsy state. Pg-238

Velocitation-Unconsciously driving too fast. Pg-238 Expressways through cities-Know the four bulleted

items on page 239. Disabled Vehicle-Pull as far as possible onto the

shoulder or the median. Pg-239 If you have cell phone call for help. Pg-239 Cruise control-Driving long distances on rural

interstate highways can become monotonous. Check your speed often. Set your cruise control. pg239

11.5 Continued

Tollbooths-Rough sections of roadways are called rumble strips. These are rough sections of roadways to warn you of a tollbooth and to slow down.

Know what an express lane is. Discuss where you will see them. Example-St. Louis.