Virginia Department of Education

Module Five
Navigating Roadways

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 Virginia Department of Education
Navigating Roadways
Topic 1 Intersections
Topic 2 Curves
Topic 3 Hills and Mountains
Topic 4 Passing
Topic 5 Urban and Rural Roads
Topic 6 Expressways

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What Do You Know about Intersections?
Where should the driver position the vehicle in the
lane when turning?
To keep from driving over the curb when turning,
what should the driver do?
When turning right on a road with multiple lanes,
into which lane should the driver enter when making
and completing the turn?
When turning left onto a multi-lane road a) into
which lane should the driver turn, b) and which lane
should the driver change to once stabilized?
The driver should never enter an intersection unless
the driver is sure of what?
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 Module 5 – Topic 1
Search for the Signs, Signals, and Pavement
Markings at this Intersection

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Search for Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings

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 Intersections and Risks

Why do one out of three

FATAL crashes occurs at
intersections?

Drivers fail to search and identify a safe path

of travel when approaching the intersection.

Drivers don’t identify or understand the risks.

Drivers fail to develop good driving habits to
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Intersection Warning Signs

Crossroad – Four-way intersection.

T Intersection - one road ends where

the other road crosses.

Y Intersection – you must bear either

right or left ahead.

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Intersection Warning Signs

Roundabout – a circular
intersection in which entering
traffic must yield right of way.

Railroad Crossing – road

intersects with a railroad
crossing.

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 Approaching an Intersection
When possible, begin
searching 20-30 seconds
ahead of the intersection.
Using an orderly visual
search pattern you must:
Identify the type of
intersection.
Identify open, closed and
changing zones.
Identify the best lane and
lane position .
Determine if the
intersection is controlled or
uncontrolled.

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 Approaching Intersections
1 2

Check mirrors
3

Search all corners, make sure you are

in proper lane - if restriction to line of
sight, change position and reduce Adjust speed
speed.
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 Entering Intersections
Look to front, left and
right.
Check traffic and count to
3 before moving.
Continue if traffic light is
green or intersection is
clear.
Do not block intersection.

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 Stopping at Intersections
1
2

Begin braking.
If there is someone
following close
behind tap your
brake pedal a few
May have to stop if there is a times to let them
yellow or red light, stop sign, know the front car
yield sign or something in your is stopping.
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 Staggered Stops
Designed to keep traffic staggered to allow for
larger vehicles to complete turns.

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 Double Stops
Drivers must stop at a stop sign or stop line even
if view is blocked, and then pull ahead slightly, and
stop again so that the driver can see the
intersecting traffic flow.
1 2

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Where to Stop at Intersections

Crosswalk Stop Line Sidewalk Curb Line

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 Controlled Intersections
Flow of traffic is regulated by signs.

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 Controlled Intersections
Traffic flow is regulated by signals.

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 Right-of-Way Concepts
Right-of-Way is not a right or
privilege – it must be given!
Right-of-Way is determined by a
set of rules.
Drivers must understand right-
of-way rules governing:
Intersections
Merges
Special conditions

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 Right-of-Way Concepts
Intersections
Describe Who Should YIELD In The Following
Situations:
Controlled Intersections
Uncontrolled Intersections
Single or two-lane roads intersecting multiple-
lane roads
When turning left
“T” Intersections
Railroad Grade Crossings
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 Uncontrolled or 4-Way Stop
An uncontrolled
intersection has NO
signs or signals to
regulate the flow of
traffic.
A 4-way stop has a stop
sign at each corner.
Malfunctioning lights
should be treated as an
uncontrolled
intersection.
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 Uncontrolled or 4-Way Stop Intersections

First Car Rule: Same Time Rule:

Vehicles approaching an When two or more vehicles
intersection must yield to approach an intersection at
vehicles already in the approximately the same time,
intersection. the driver of the vehicle on the
The Blue Car must yield the right-of-way. left shall yield the right-of-way
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to the vehicle on the right.
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 Test Your Knowledge

If both of these vehicles

arrive at this uncontrolled
intersection at the same
a time, who must yield?

a. Car a

b b. Car b

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 Test Your Knowledge

a. Car a
Correct!
At an UNCONTROLLED INTERSECTION or 4-
WAY STOP, if two vehicles approach at the
same time, the vehicle on the left must
yield.

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Right-of-Way Concepts
Intersections
T-Intersections
At a T-intersection, the
vehicle on the side
street must stop and
yield right of way.

Traffic Circles
Vehicles entering the
traffic circle shall yield
to vehicles already in
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the intersection.
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 Test Your Knowledge

Who must yield at a traffic

circle (roundabout)?

a. Vehicles in the circle.

b. Vehicles entering the

circle.

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 Test Your Knowledge

b. Vehicles entering the circle

Correct!
Vehicles entering a traffic circle
must yield to vehicles already
in the circle.
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 Applying SEEiT at Intersections
When you can see the
intersection, begin
SEARCHING for the:
Type of intersection.
Intersection controls.
Risks or problems in
your intended path of
travel.
Also monitor the areas
to the rear of the
vehicle.

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 Applying SEEiT at Intersections
During your Search you
must identify potential
risks, and Evaluate how
you will handle:
Traffic Controls (Stop sign,
yield sign, traffic light).
No traffic controls.
Open, closed or changing
path of travel.
Cross traffic.

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 Applying SEEiT at Intersections
You have Searched, Evaluated
and determined the best
course of action, and now
must EXECUTE your decision
in Time by
Positioning vehicle in proper
lane.
Obeying traffic controls and
preparing to yield if necessary.
Searching and monitoring
space as you cautiously
proceed through the
intersection.
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 Approaching Intersections
Safest, Most Efficient Lane Selection
Select the best lane at least a block ahead
Center lane(s) – safest
when traveling straight
through.
Right lane is used when
turning right - cross
traffic, turning right on
red will enter this lane.
Left lane is used to turn
left - yield to oncoming
traffic.

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Search for Vehicles/Pedestrians Crossing

Look for clues:Your Path of Travel

Is the other driver looking to
the left or right?
Is the vehicle positioned on
the left side of the lane?
Are the other vehicles’ front
wheels
turned left or right?
Any pedestrian standing at
curb?

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 Turning at Intersections

1 2

Check mirrors
3

Check oncoming and cross

traffic, other highway users and
roadway condition. Signal and steer
into proper lane,
tap brake pedal.
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 Turning at Intersections cont.

5
4

Adjust speed
Recheck traffic, identify safe gap
6 7 8

Check mirrors
Steer into proper lane Adjust speed

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 Turning Right
Check traffic and
pedestrians.
Exit and enter
correct lane.
Stop and yield
when turning
right on red.

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 Right Turn - SEEiT
Search Intersection
for:
Line-of-Sight or

Path-of-
Travel Restrictions
Parked vehicles
Cross traffic
Vehicles turning left
Pedestrians
Bicyclists
Confirm lane turning on
has an open zone and if
it’s a two-way or a one-
way street
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 Right Turn – Searching for Risks

How would you handle this intersection?

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 Steps or a Right Turn – Lane Selection
Position the vehicle in the correct lane at least
one block before the turn.
Using the image below, select the best lane.

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 Right Turn - Lane Selection

A right turn should begin in lane ___ and

end in lane ____.

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 Right Turn

Turn lanes improve the flow of traffic.

Identify right
turn protections
at this
intersection.

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 Right Turn – Risks

Right-of-way rules not

followed.
Failure to signal.
Failure to search
intersections.
Failure to stop on red
before turning right.
Turning too wide and
crossing into adjacent
lane.
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 Making a Left Turn into
Oncoming Traffic is Dangerous

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 Left Turn Risks

Crossing multiple lanes Intersecting roadway traffic

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 Turning Left
Start in correct lane.
Search travel path
and oncoming
traffic.
Wait for safe gap in
traffic.
Turn into
appropriate lane.

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 Left Turn – Searching for Clues

Intersection Search
Determine if you have a safe path of travel
through the intersection.
Be prepared to stop or yield.
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 Left Turn – Lane Selection
You are driving the black SUV.
What lane must you be in to turn left?

Select the proper lane prior to arriving at the intersection.

Remain in your lane/don’t touch the lane line throughout the turn.
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 Left Turn – Select the Correct Lanes

A left turn should begin in lane ___ and end in lane ___.

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 Protected Left Turn
Protected Unprotected

Describe a Protected Left Turn.

Vehicles turning left have a green arrow.
All other traffic has a red light.
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Left Turns – Bad Choices/Dangerous Behaviors

Dangerous left turn behaviors

Running red lights
Failing to signal
Entering intersection on stale green
Blocking the intersection
Failing to stop before the stop line
Failing to follow right-of-way rules
Failing to stay within the turning lane
Failing to judge sufficient gap in
oncoming traffic

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 Multi-lane Intersections

Are more dangerous.

Increased risk for
drivers.
Gap requirements
increase.
Must watch for drivers
who cut across lanes.

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 Roundabouts
Describe a Roundabout
Circular intersection where
vehicle paths do not cross.
Controlled by yield signs.
Entries and exits into and
out of the circle are at
multiple locations.
Yield at the entry, rather
than stopping and waiting
for a green light or
stopping at a stop sign,
which improves traffic flow
and reduces delays.

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List Advantages of Roundabouts
Fewer points of
conflict.
90% reduction in fatal
crashes.
75% reduction in injury
crashes.
Fewer delays as
traffic keeps moving.
Less pollution and
fuel use.
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Virginia Department of Education

Module Five
Topic 2
Navigating Curves and
Hills
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 Module 5 – Topic 2
Negotiating Curves
How will you compensate for the hill, line-of-
sight and path-of-travel restrictions (trees, hills,
etc.) on this curvy road?

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 Negotiating Curves
Blind Curve
Only the entrance to the curve is visible – you have
no idea what the rest of the curve looks like or if
there’s anything in your path of travel.

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 Negotiating Curves
S-Curve
A curve in one direction with a second curve in
the opposite direction.

S Curve

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 Negotiating Curves
Crowned Roadways
Most roadways are higher in the middle and slope to
the outside for better drainage.
If a road curves to the left on a crowned roadway,
how will that effect the weight of your vehicle?

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 Negotiating Curves
Banked Curve
The outside of the curve is higher than the
inside.
How does a banked curve help the vehicle
stay on the road?

Banked Curve

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 Negotiating Curves
 Uphill: acceleration is needed to maintain
speed.
 Downhill: vehicles will naturally pick up
speed.

Why do vehicles “slow

down” going uphill
and “speed up”
coming downhill?

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Warning Signs for Curves

Sharp Curve

Curve to right followed by curve to left

Winding Road

Road curves right – vehicle’s weight shifts

left

Maximum SAFE speed is 25 mph

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 Basic Parts of a Curve

Exit
Apex
Entrance

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 Forces at Work in Curves
What is Friction?
The resistance to motion between materials moving over
one another.
What is Traction?
Friction between tires and the road surface.
Keeps vehicle on the road and allows vehicle to respond
to acceleration, braking and steering.
Traction is reduced by
speed
centrifugal force
road conditions
worn tires
vehicle weight shifts
When traction is lost, the vehicle does not respond to driver input.
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 Inertia and Traction

An object in motion
continues to move in
a straight line until
acted upon by some
outside force.

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Factors Influencing the Effects of Inertia
Sharpness of the turn
or curve
Speed
Size, height, weight
and load of the
vehicle
Roadway slope
Roadway surface
condition

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 Forces at Work in Curves
How do you overcome Inertia in a curve?
Need traction to
overcome inertia.
If a vehicle loses traction
in a curve, the vehicle will
continue traveling in a
straight line and the
driver will have no
control.

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 What do you know about curves?
1. What may happen if you drive too fast for the
degree of a curve?
Answer: Tires can lose their grip and let the car
slide sideways right off the road.
2. How should you enter a curve?
Answer: Enter slowly.
3. How should you leave a curve?
Answer: Accelerate out of it.

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 Forces at Work in Curves
Describe Vehicle Weight
Transfer.
The weight of a vehicle
rounding a curve shifts to
the opposite direction of the
curve.
Rounding a curve to the right Photo courtesy of AAA Foundation

will result in the vehicle’s

weight transferring left.
The right tires may lose contact
with the road resulting in less
traction.
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 Forces at Work in Curves
Rounding a curve with too
much speed can result in
the vehicle turning over.
Adding weight to the top of
a vehicle also increases the
tendency to turn over as
the center of gravity has
been raised.
Speed control and smooth,
controlled steering are
needed to maintain control.
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 Applying SEEit in Curves
Search the road ahead
Uphill/downhill?
Blind curve?
Crowned or banked?
Sharpness of curve?
Road surface conditions?

What can you determine as you search the

curve ahead?
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 Applying SEEit in Curves
After Searching
Evaluate your options which are:
Lane position
Visibility
Space management
Speed control
Controlled braking before apex
Accelerate out of the curve
Steering
Push-Pull
Line of sight
Look through the curve
Path of travel
Execute in Time

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 Applying SEEit in Curves
When approaching a Curve
to the Left
It is generally best to
approach the curve in
Lane Position 3, as far
away as possible from
oncoming traffic.
This position also
provides the best Begin in
Lane Position 3

targeting point for your

line of sight.

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 Driving Through Curves
Search far ahead.
Approach curve in right
portion and reduce
speed.
Maintain speed through
curve.
Accelerate out of apex.

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Narrow Roadway Curve to the Right
Headlights on.
Approach curve in
left portion of lane.
Move to right portion
of lane as you
approach the apex of
curve.

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 Applying SEEit in Curves
When approaching a Curve to the RIGHT
Assume outside road
position on the entry to a
right curve (Lane Position 2).
Allows for a longer braking
distance on entry and a
better chance of establishing
a sightline to the apex and
exit of the curve.
Begin in Lane Position 2

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Virginia Department of Education

Module 5
Topic 3
Hills and Mountains

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 Hills/Mountains
Applying SEEiT space management
process
Search ahead for advisory speed signs,
oncoming traffic, road condition/surface
traction control and slow moving vehicles.
Evaluate if the hill has curves, determine
type of curve, and make decision about
safe speed and lane positions.

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 Hills/Mountains
Starting on Hills—Automatic Transmission
Some steep hills require using the accelerator
and brake together to keep the vehicle from
rolling backward.
Maintain brake pressure until ready to move.
Use the right foot to accelerate and
simultaneously slowly release the brake.

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 Evaluate
Driving Uphill—Speed
Control
Extra power may be
needed to maintain
uphill speed.
Slower moving vehicles
should travel in the
right-hand lane. Photo courtesy of AAA Foundation

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 Evaluate
Cresting the Hill
Limited LOS at a hill crest.
Be prepared for:
Stopped vehicles
Slow moving vehicles
Oncoming vehicle in your lane
Be prepared to adjust speed or position to
avoid a hazard.
List potential hazards that may exist on the
other side of the hill crest.
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 Evaluate
Descending Hills &
Mountains
Gravity will make the
vehicle go faster.
Downshift and use the
transmission to reduce
speed and help keep
brakes from overheating.
What clues do you see in
this picture that describe
roadway conditions?
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 Evaluate
Descending
Heavier vehicles going
downhill will pick up more
speed.
Check the rear zone for
vehicles that may be having
trouble controlling speed.
Turn off cruise control.
What should the pickup truck
driver be concerned about
when passing the tanker
truck?
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 Execute in Time
Carry Out Your Decision
Adjust speed and/or
position as needed.
What would you do if
an approaching vehicle
crossed the center of
the road?

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Module 5 Topic 4 – Passing

What do you see?

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 Hills/Mountains
Runaway Ramps
Runaway ramps are designed for large trucks
that lose braking control on steep hills.
They have deep gravel, sand barrels and other
materials to help slow down the runaway
vehicle.
Pull off the road if you see a runaway truck
behind you.

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 Did you know that
1. At 55 mph, you traveled 968 feet; you need
_________ as much distance to pass a vehicle
ahead.
2. If the oncoming car seems to be getting
closer, it’s already too ______.
3. When curves or hills keep you from seeing far
enough ahead assume there’s a
____________.
4. Don’t start to pass unless there’s room ahead
to ___________.
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 Estimating Passing Gap Needs
Count the seconds it
takes for an oncoming
vehicle to pass in the
opposite lane.
Do this until you can

accurately estimate
the
time.
If you can see a vehicle
approaching it is not safe
to pass. ©2016
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 Passing Procedures
1 2

Prepare to pass Overtake the vehicle

3

Return to lane
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 Pass on the Right
When another vehicle is waiting to
make a left turn when multiple lanes
are available.

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Illegal to Pass

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What do you know about passing?

Finish these thoughts…

If the oncoming car seems to be getting
closer:
When curbs or hills keep you from seeing
far enough ahead:
Don’t start to pass unless:

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 Passing on Multi-Lane Roads
One of the most
dangerous maneuvers
a driver can attempt.
Higher the speed the
greater the risk.
High volume of traffic
increases the chance of
collisions.
Passing may occur on
the left or right.
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 When Being Passed
Check passing vehicle’s position.
Move away slightly if too close.
Maintain speed.
Once passed,
create space
ahead and
behind.

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 Module 5
Topic 5 - Characteristics
of Urban and Rural
Roadways
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Characteristics of Urban Roadways
High volume of traffic with many hazards.
More roadway users to interact with.
Multiple intersections with left and right turn
lanes, stop signs and traffic signal lights.
Stores and businesses
present.
Public transportation.
“Rush hour” traffic.

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 Adjusting to Urban Roadways
Stay within the posted speed limit.
Look at least two blocks or two traffic
signals ahead.
Use the SEEiT system.
Watch for situations with closed zones and
line-of-sight restrictions.

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 Driving on Urban Roadways
Following other
Be alert for areas where
sudden stops may occur.
Oncoming traffic
Keep as much space as
possible from oncoming
vehicles.
Take action if driver in
oncoming lane crosses
center line.

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 Driving on Urban Roadways
Selecting the best lane
Fewest number of potential hazards.
Right lane usually for slower traffic.
Avoid driving next to
other vehicles.
Drive in correct lane,
indicated by arrows
on pavement.

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Reducing Risk on Urban Roadways
Increase following distance.
Search ahead, to the sides and rear.
Move slightly to the right and signal early to
prevent tailgaters.
Slow down as you approach traffic signals and
do not block intersection.
Select lane with fewest
number of hazards.

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Changing Lanes on Urban Roadways
1 2 3

Check following Signal

traffic Check blind spot
4 5

Cancel Signal

Change lanes
without slowing ©2016
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 Passing on Urban Roadways

Make sure you can pass safely and

legally.
Illegal to pass at intersections or
over double yellow center lines.
Return to your lane when there is a
safe gap in traffic.

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 Special Urban Situations

Driving on one and

two-way streets.
Parked vehicles.
Blocked intersections.
Unexpected situations on crowded
streets.
Pedestrians and bicyclists.
Public transportation.
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 Shared Left Turn Lanes

For vehicles making left

turns
Do not travel
more than 150
feet in lane.
Move as far left
as possible.

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 Using a Shared Left Turn Lane
1 2

Check traffic Signal

3 4

Adjust speed and enter lane Wait for gap, complete left
turn when clear
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Using a Shared Left Turn Lane to
Enter a Street from a Driveway
1 2

Signal left turn and stop Check for traffic

at edge of roadway
4
3

When traffic is clear

If gap to left, but not
enter nearest lane
right, enter shared lane
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 Shared Left Turn Lane
Trying to cross traffic from a driveway:
Move entire car (all 4
wheels) into the shared
lane to avoid blocking
through traffic FLOW.
Stop in the shared lane
and wait to merge
safely with traffic. Is the black truck allowed to cross the
solid yellow line and stop in the shared
lane to wait for traffic to clear?

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 Shared Left Turn Lane
Look for other drivers
using the shared lane.
You can only travel
150 feet in a shared
lane.
Identify the vehicles
in this picture waiting
in the shared lane for
a gap in traffic.

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Characteristics of Rural Roadways

Low volume of
traffic and speeds.
Road and shoulders
may be narrow and
of varying surfaces.
Few signs, signals and pavement
markings.
Steep hills and curves.
Open bridge gratings, uncontrolled
railroad crossings and intersections.
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 Adjusting to Rural Roadways

Manage speed to increase control.

More time to respond to a hazard and
brake and steer without losing
control.
Adjust speed when conditions are
unsafe.
Position vehicle to
maintain 20 – 30
second visual lead.
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 Risks on Rural Roadways

Gravel or dirt surfaces

Dust
Narrow bridges and
roads
Open bridge gratings or steel bridges
Vision limitations (wooded areas)
Steep hills and curves
Uncontrolled railroad crossings
Uncontrolled intersections

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Driving on Rural Roadways
Intersections
Controlled/uncontrolled
Side roads intersect
with a main road
Following other vehicles
Maintain 3-second following distance
Oncoming vehicles
Slow down, move to right side of lane without
going on shoulders

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Passing on Rural Roadways

More dangerous on two-lane

roadway.
Only pass one vehicle at a time.
If you can see an oncoming vehicle do
not attempt to
pass.

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Special Rural Road Conditions
Slow moving vehicles
Use caution.
Do not honk your horn.
Animals
Do not swerve into oncoming traffic or off
roadway with no shoulder.
Safest alternative may be hitting animal.
Railroad crossings
Look left and right before crossing tracks.
Be alert for multiple tracks.

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 Module 5 – Topic 6
Expressway Driving
Characteristics of expressways
Entering the expressway
Types of Interchanges
Signs
Pavement Markings
Lane selection
Lane changes
Passing
Space Management
Exiting the expressway
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 Characteristics of Expressways

High speed.
Controlled access (entry and
exit).
Divided by barrier.
Multiple lanes going in the
same direction.
Only for motorized vehicles.

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 Characteristics of Expressways
Limited access:
Limited entry and exit.
High-speed divided highway
with more than one lane in
each direction:
Divided by a barrier or
median.
Higher speeds (up to 70
mph).
Designed to carry a lot of traffic
quickly and efficiently.
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Highway Safety Design Features
Rumble strips Reflective signs
Median Mile markers
barriers Protected turn
Breakaway bays
sign supports Collector/
New design distributor
guard rails lanes
Crash barrels Message signs

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 Expressways

Is there a relationship
between speed and
injury severity in a
crash?

Photo courtesy of AAA Foundation

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 Expressways
The Interstate Highway system in Virginia is
1,118.66 miles long.
There are 6 major routes and 10 loops and spurs
from the mainline routes.

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 Expressway Numbering
Even numbers go east-west (I-64, I-66).
Odd numbers go north-south (I-77, I-81, I-95).
Odd numbers begin in the west and get larger as they move
east.
Even numbers begin in the south and get larger as they move
north.

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 Expressway Numbering
3-digit numbers designate an
alternate route.
If the first digit is even, the
alternate route goes around
the city (I-664).
If it is odd, it leads into the city
(I-164).
Is there a loop around your
city?

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Expressway Entrance Components

Entrance Ramp Acceleration Lane

Merge Area

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 Entrance
Provides limited access to the expressway.

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 Entrance Ramp
Allows driver time to search for traffic flow and
gaps and evaluate speed and space
requirements before entering the expressway.

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 Entering the Expressway
1 2 3

Check traffic
Signal, proper
Identify entrance ½ 5 lane
mile in advance
6
4

Identify gap for

merging, signal, Adjust to
merge into travel travel speed
Enter ramp and
adjust speed lane
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 Entrance Ramp
As you enter the ramp immediately begin searching
for a gap/open space. Entrance
Ramp
Accelerate to speed of traffic.
Determine the open space and merge safely.

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 Entrance Ramp Problems
Heavy traffic, short ramps and acceleration lanes.
High walls that may block visibility.
“Weave lane” conflicts.
Traffic ahead on the ramp that slows or stops abruptly.
Sharp curves on the ramp that restrict visibility.
On-Ramp

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 Entrance Ramp from the Left
Potential for conflict is greater.
Monitor and search to the right.
Additional lane changes to the right may be
necessary to allow merging traffic to enter.

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Good Habits Entering the Entrance Ramp
Make sure the entrance ramp is the correct one.
Search for “Do Not Enter” or “Wrong Way” signs.
Check front and rear zones.
Observe traffic conditions on the limited access roadway.
Signal, check mirrors and blind zones. On-Ramp

Prepare to adjust speed for heavy traffic on the ramp.

Avoid stopping or backing up on a ramp.

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 Entrance Ramp Mistakes
Oh no! You have entered the EXIT ramp and
traffic is coming at you!
If you see the ramp area marked with “DO
NOT ENTER” and/or “WRONG WAY” signs,
immediately pull over to the edge of the road.
The possibility of a head on collision is very
high.
When the way is clear, turn around and get off
the ramp.
Avoid backing or stopping on ramp.
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 Ramp Meters
Entrance ramp traffic lights are designed to
distribute traffic onto the expressway when
traffic is heavy.
Permits one car at a time to enter the
expressway.

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 Acceleration Lane
Used to accelerate, monitor gap, and blend
with the speed of traffic on the expressway.

Acceleration Lane

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Good Habits Using the Acceleration Lane
Maintain speed and safe
following distance.
Signal.
Accelerate to the speed of
vehicles on the expressway.
Continuously check front
and rear zones, mirrors and
blind spot.
Decide when and where to
merge.
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Reducing Risk in the Acceleration Lane
Search ahead and to
the
side for a gap on
the
expressway.
Prepare to adjust
speed with
traffic.
Prepare to use the
shoulder if no gap is
available.
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 Merging Area
Area used to move onto the expressway and is
usually marked with a broken white line.

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 Merge Lane
The merge area provides a designated space
to blend into expressway traffic.

Merge Area

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 Merging—Selecting a Gap
Check Front, Rear and Left Rear Zones.
Select Gap.
Move into the open space on expressway.

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 Merging Problems
Heavy traffic.
No gap to move onto expressway.
Traffic slowing or stopping ahead.

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 Assist Others to Merge Safely
Help drivers enter expressway by adjusting
speed or changing lanes if it is safe to do so.

Merging

Could adjust speed or

change lanes

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 Following Distance
Drive at the speed of traffic.
Maintain 3 – 4 second following distance.

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 Weave Lane
A “weave” lane serves as both an entrance and an exit lane.
Traffic entering and exiting must use the same lane.
Conflicts can occur.
The driver entering from the entrance ramp should yield to
the driver leaving the expressway.
Vehicle exiting Vehicle entering
expressway expressway

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 Types of Entrance/Exit Ramps
Cloverleaf Interchange
Cloverleaf Interchanges have shared entrance
and exit lanes known as WEAVE lanes.

This type of design allows

for the interchange of two
expressways or major
roadways.

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 Types of Entrance/Exit Ramps
Diamond Interchange is designed to be used when a
road that has little traffic crosses a busy expressway.

Traffic is permitted to move ONLY in the

direction indicated by the arrows

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 Types of Entrance/Exit Ramps
Trumpet Interchange

Traffic is permitted to move ONLY in the

direction indicated by the arrows

Is used where a side road forms a T intersection

with an expressway.

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Types of Entrance/Exit Ramps
Frontage Road Interchange

Traffic is permitted to move ONLY in

the direction indicated by the arrows

Allow for the interchange of vehicles using parallel secondary

two-way or one-way roadways and a major multiple lane
roadway.
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 Expressway Signs
Expressway Signs
Warning signs Regulatory Signs

How can these signs help drivers maintain a

safe path of travel, proper lane position, and
lane choice?
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 Expressway Lane Markings
High Occupancy Vehicles
During heavy traffic
periods, HOV lanes are
reserved for buses,
carpools, other high
occupancy vehicles.
Motorcycles and
certain clean special
fuel vehicles are also
allowed to use the
HOV lane.
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 Mile Markers
Mile markers show the number of miles from
where the Interstate route entered a state.
These numbers are useful if a driver needs to
call for assistance by giving an exact location.
Exit numbers align with mile marker numbers.

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Expressway Signals
Reversible lane signals
Traffic signals on expressways are
rare and most commonly used to
identify reversible lanes.
A GREEN arrow over a lane—the
lane is open for travel.
A RED “X” over a lane—travel in
that lane is closed or prohibited .
A YELLOW “X” over a lane—travel
in that lane is about to change or
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 Reversible Expressway Lanes
What should drivers do in this traffic scene?

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 Lane Choice
Lane choice is dependent upon several factors:
Volume of traffic
Type of traffic
Speed
Planned exit

Right Lane

Center Lane

Left
Lane
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 Driving on Expressways
You will be driving on this expressway for 20
miles. Which lane would you choose and why?

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 Driving on Expressways
Lane Changes
Reasons for changing lanes
include:
Entering or exiting.
Allowing another driver to
enter.
Following large or slow-
moving vehicles.
Lane ahead blocked.
Being tailgated.
Construction.
Passing.

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 Driving on Expressways
Changing Lanes
Check traffic ahead, behind and to the sides
(mirrors and head check).
Signal your intention to change lanes.
Select a safe gap in traffic.
Re-check traffic.
Maintain a safe following distance.
Adjust your speed, steer smoothly to the
new lane, cancel your turns.

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 Driving on Expressways
After Passing – returning
to right lane
Pass and signal to return.
Check mirrors.
When both sets of
headlights of the vehicle
being passed are visible,
return to the lane.
Cancel signal.
Adjust speed and/or vehicle

position to create space all

around your vehicle.

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 Driving on Expressways
Managing Time and
Space
Establishing space
around your vehicle and
blend your speed with
the flow of traffic.
Avoid exceeding the
posted speed limit.

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 Managing Time and Space
Establish space ahead - drivers have the most control over
the space directly in front of their vehicles.

Following too closely is

a leading cause of
traffic collisions.
Following distance is
critical on the
expressway.
Time is needed to react
to danger to avoid
collisions.
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 Managing Time and Space
Increase Following
Distance when:
Following large trucks or
buses.
Following motorcycles.
Driving in bad weather.
When being tailgated.
When driving with a heavy
load or pulling a
trailer.
Entering/exiting the
expressway. ©2016
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Using the Basics

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 Managing Time and Space
Adjusting Your Speed in Response to Risk or Danger

Decelerate Accelerate

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 Managing Time and Space
Adjusting Your Speed in Response to Traffic Conditions

Reduce speed and keep pace When merging, enter at

with traffic flow. same speed as traffic.

When using deceleration lane, do

not slow down until you have
moved into lane.

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 Managing Time and Space
“Wolf packs” are groups of
drivers traveling together at
higher speeds.
Driving in a “wolf pack”
allows you little or no margin
of safety.
Avoid “wolf packs”
If you see a “wolf pack”
approaching from the rear,
move over and let them pass
you.

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Expressway Exit Components
Deceleration Lane Exit Ramp

Area where speed May be level or sharply

should be reduced curved, uphill or downhill,
to exit safely. adjust speed for ramp
speed.
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 Exiting an Expressway
Identify the Exit Early.
Exits are marked with guide signs,
usually one to two miles before the exit.
You can determine if an exit is a right
exit or a left exit by the position of the
exit number on the sign.
Exit numbers correspond with mile
marker numbers.
About one-half mile (20- to 30- seconds)
before the exit, signal and move to the
lane closest to the exit.
Is this a picture of a right or left exit?
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 Exiting an Expressway
The exit has two components:
1. Deceleration lane.
2. Exit ramp.

2. Exit Ramp
1. Deceleration Lane

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 Deceleration Lane
Area where speed must be significantly reduced.
Deceleration lanes allow drivers to reduce their speed
without blocking traffic on the expressway.
Look for the advisory speed sign for the deceleration
lane.
Wait until reaching the deceleration lane before reducing
speed.
Exit Ramp
Deceleration Lane

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 Exit Ramp
THE EXIT RAMP ALLOWS
TRAFFIC TO ENTER ADJOINING
ROADWAYS.

Brake to Warning Sign Speed.

Check Behind.
Search for Traffic Control Signs
or Signals.

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 Potential Exiting Problems
Short deceleration lane.
Sharp curve on ramp.
Traffic stopped on the exit ramp.
Very slow ramp speed - there may
be a STOP sign or a traffic light at
the end of the exit ramp. The
driver must adjust from a fast
speed to a STOP in a short
distance.
Weave lane conflicts.

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 Special Expressway Conditions
DISABLED VEHICLES
Don’t be a “rubbernecker”.
Give the disabled vehicle plenty of room.
Pull as far off the roadway as possible if your
vehicle becomes disabled.

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Please

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