1. MODULE 6
Objectives: Students will learn about using risk reducing strategies to manage multiple-lane roads at speeds up to 65 mph in complex risk environments
Topics Covered:
Characteristics of Expressway
Entering, exiting traffic, steering, establishing speed and lane positions, and traveling on multiple-lane roadways
Managing interchanges, merging, exiting from traffic flow, and selecting vehicle positions in expressway driving

2. Expressways
Expressways include interstate highways, freeways, turnpikes, toll roads, parkways, and beltways—high speed roadways—divided by a barrier/medium—limited access highways
Have no traffic lights and many signs are designed to break away when hit by a vehicle
Have exits and entrances only at certain locations
Have two or more lanes going in one direction
Have no cross traffic
Have higher injury severity rates
Rumble strips are installed on the edge of roads to alert drivers who drift off the road
Are designed so that traffic either entering or exiting has separate lanes from fast moving traffic and for low-risk high speed driving

3. Expressways Types/Signs
Diamond expressway (interchanges) allows a driver to reenter the expressway by moving across the intersection of the secondary road
A trumpet interchange allows for interchange of second two-way streets to a multiple lane roadway with minimal traffic mix
Cloverleaf interchange allows two expressways to cross with minimal disruption
When entering an expressway, motorist should try to enter at the same speed as traffic already on the expressway
The maximum speed limit on rural expressways in North Carolina is 65 mph
Interstate signs shaped like a shield are red, white and blue

4. Expressways Signs
HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lanes are marked with a diamond
The red X over a lane means that traveling in that lane is prohibited
An interstate route with even numbers travel east and west routes
An interstate route with odd numbers travel north and south routes
The far right lane should be used for slower traffic; the far left lane should be used for faster traffic
Never go in reverse when you are driving on an expressway

5. Expressway Entering
Alternate routes that travel around the city begin with even numbers
A solid yellow line on any roadway should be on the drivers left side
The correct procedures for entering an expressway is to read ramp signs, search ahead and behind for gaps in traffic, adjust speed, merge and blend with traffic
Motorist should try to enter an expressway at the same speed as traffic already on the expressway
If a driver mistakenly enters the wrong entrance ramp and is headed in the wrong destination -- continue on in that direction until you come to the next exit
The most dangerous mistake to make when entering an expressway is entering the exit ramp

6. Expressway Speeds
At expressway speeds, you should maintain a following distance of at least 3-4 seconds
Peripheral vision is affected by the speed of the vehicle
The correct procedures for changing lanes is check traffic ahead, behind, beside, signal, select gap, check blind spots, adjust speed, steer smoothly into lane, and cancel signal
A driver should increase their following distance on an
expressway when
Weather conditions are bad
Following large trucks
Being tailgated
Driving with the flow of traffic is the best way to maintain a space cushion around your vehicle

7. Expressway Passing and Exiting
Passing on an expressway includes special challenges for the novice driver which are
Higher speeds
Passing on the right and left
Vehicles and drivers on both sides moving into the same lanes
When exiting an expressway, it is important to
Plan your exit in advance
Signal any changes in position
Move to the lane nearest the deceleration—this lane allows the driver exiting the time and space needed to adjust vehicle speed
The best way to be prepared for a blocked lane is to allow for an escape route to one side of your vehicle

8. Managing Interchanges
When driving in large cities, traffic may stop abruptly—drivers must be attentive and prepared
A driver should increase their following distance when sleepy, being tailgated, and following an SUV
A dulled, drowsy, trance-like condition while driving is known as highway hypnosis
If you miss an exit, you should continue on to the next exit and turn around—never make a U-turn on expressways
Construction zones usually have slower speed limits even on expressways