1. EXPRESSWAY

2. Freeway / Expressway Driving
Freeway entrances are identified with signs. In most cases, once an on-ramp is entered you must proceed onto the freeway.
Let’s now notice
a typical merge
On-ramps may have special posted cautionary
speed signs which should be obeyed as
they are there for a reason. (extreme curves) .

3. Movie will play – merge video
Merging
Movie will play – merge video
Listen carefully to the procedures concerning this merge.

4. Merging

5. 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.
What is the purpose of the first head check early on ramp?

6. 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?

7. Enter the freeway at approximately the same speed as traffic.
What should you do as you are now building up speed?
Enter the freeway at approximately
the same speed as traffic.
Signal, check outside mirror, and make a final head check to the left.

8. However, what will you do if you can not get over because other vehicles are preventing your merge?
Do not stop in the acceleration
lane. (unless due to traffic
congestion) Traffic will not
expect you to stop and you
could cause an accident.
Make necessary speed adjustments. (speed up or slow down) Do not try and squeeze into a gap that is too small.

9. Do not force yourself over and do not brake hard.
(you could cause a rear-end crash)
If you still cannot get in, you may have to USE PART OF THE SHOULDER until traffic opens up.

10. 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?

11. Following a merging truck
Movie will play – merge truck video

12. Following a merging truck

13. In addition to merging onto this expressway, what is another concern?
uneven pavement

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

15. You predict a conflict with this merger
You predict a conflict with this merger What should you do to avoid the conflict?
Change lanes or brake.

16. To avoid conflicts with mergers.
If you are moving with the flow of traffic,
why is it usually best to drive in the center lane?

17. (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?
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)

18. is the maximum freeway speed limit?
In many urban areas, what
is the maximum freeway speed limit?

20. So faster traffic is not delayed.
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.
So faster traffic is not delayed.
Why is it best for slow drivers to stay in the right lane?

21. At 55 mph do you think you are 3 seconds behind this vehicle?
NOT REALLY! (notice when the car in front passes a white dash on the pavement to start calculating your 3-second interval)
Count…
1001
1002
1003

22. This is much better!

23. A quick stop up ahead. What is danger of following too closely here?
It is against the law to tailgate other drivers.
You could be cited with a traffic ticket.
A quick stop
up ahead.
Sometimes, a 3-second following distance does not work effectively in heavy traffic. Stay alert for brake lights several cars ahead.

24. 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?
It reduces the possibility of hydroplaning.

25. 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.
On expressways, what are some problems associated with sun glare?

26. You will be soon entering this vehicle’s ____________
blindspot

27. Front zone Right Left front front zone zone Right rear Left Rear rear
Keep your
blind spots
open
and
stay out of their
blind
spots.
Right
front
zone
Left
front
zone
What
is the
possible
result of
tailgating
other
drivers?
Right
rear
zone
Rear
zone
Left
rear
zone

28. Keep your
blind spots
open
and
stay out of their
blind
spots.
What
is the
possible
result of
tailgating
other
drivers?

29. The possibility of the car wanting to pass the truck.
You’re moving along at the speed limit approaching this slower moving truck. What should you be considering?
The possibility of the car wanting to pass the truck.

30. As this car lane changes in front of you, what should you do?
Drop back to re-establish a proper following distance.
As this car lane changes in front of you,
what should you do?

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

32. Can you read this?
OBJECTS IN MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR.

33. Would it be safe to lane change to the right now?
No, the car is very close.

34. 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
How should you pass slower vehicles on the interstate?

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

36. 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?

37. Not while you see brake lights ahead!
Is it safe to begin passing this large truck?
Not while you see brake lights ahead!

38. You do not want to exit at Kirchoff Road,
what must you do here?
Change lanes.