CHAPTER 6:
INTERSTATE DRIVING
Traffic on an interstate normally moves safely and smoothly because there
are fewer places for the type of problems that could cause accidents. However,
the accidents that do happen are usually serious. As a driver you need to
know and follow some basic rules and practices to make interstate driving
as safe as possible.
PLANNING AHEAD
Since interstate entrances and exits are far apart, you should plan your
route in advance. Use a map and know exactly where you will get on and off
the interstate. Also, make sure your car is in good working condition. Since
there are few service stations along interstate highways, you could find
yourself in serious trouble if you run out of gas or have a breakdown. Before
you leave, check your gas, water, oil, and tires. Don't forget to check
your spare tire.
ENTERING
You get on the interstate highway by using an entrance ramp that
leads to an acceleration lane. Begin checking traffic while on the
entrance ramp. Do not move slowly to the end of the entrance ramp and
stop. Start your turn signal to warn other drivers. Look for a gap in
the approaching traffic Then, adjust your speed to meet that gap. As you
merge, make sure you are traveling the same speed as other traffic.
If another vehicle is ahead of you in the acceleration lane, be ready in
case it slows or stops without warning. Do not stop in the acceleration
lane unless traffic is too heavy and there is no space for you to enter
safely.
At some interstate entrances, there is a short acceleration lane. With heavy
traffic you are more likely to see cars stopped and waiting for a large
enough gap in traffic. This situation is dangerous because of the risk of
rear-end collisions and the need for fast acceleration to enter traffic.
Adjust Speed to Match Traffic and Meet Gap in Traffic.
Don't forget that traffic on the interstate has the right of way. You
can't always count on other drivers either seeing you or moving over to
give you room to enter.
DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE
Speed. You should never drive faster than the legal speed limit of
65 miles per hour. You should not drive slower than the posted minimum
speed on the interstate unless the weather or road conditions prevent you
from doing so. Always try to drive at a steady speed.
Right-hand lane: Avoid unnecessary lane changing. Stay in the right-hand
lane unless overtaking and passing, making an exit to the left, or letting
another vehicle enter. However, you may drive in any lane of an interstate
having three or more lanes in one direction.
When you approach most entrance points, you will see a "merge"
sign. This sign warns you to be ready to adjust your speed or to move into
the left lane, if possible. This will let other drivers enter traffic smoothly
and safely.
The right-hand lane is also a place where some drivers slow down for an
exit, even though this is dangerous. When you see an exit sign, be alert
for drivers who suddenly slow or who swerve into an exit at the last second.
Don't follow too closely to the vehicle in front of you. Always keep at
least a two second space cushion between you and the vehicle ahead. When
the weather is bad or the pavement is slick, you should double the time.
Rear-end collisions are the most frequent type of accidents on freeway-style
Intersate highways.
Emergency Stops. Don't stop on an interstate except for an emergency,
such as a breakdown. If you must stop, signal and pump your brakes to warn
other drivers. Drive all the way off the traveled portion of the roadway
and give a signal that you are having trouble. Turn on your 4-way emergency
warning lights. At night use flares or reflectors.
Raise the hood or tie a white cloth to the antenna if you need help.
If you can't get your vehicle completely off the road, remove all passengers
and get them away from the area in case the vehicle is hit.
LEAVING
Find your exit. One of the main reasons for planning your trip is
to know exactly where you want to leave the interstate. Look ahead for signs
telling you about the exit you want and the lane you must use. Signal and
move into the correct lane a mile or more before the exit. Then, you won't
have to change lanes at the last moment and risk missing your exit or, even
worse, having an accident.
Start Slowing and Slow to posted Ramp Speed only after entering Deceleration
Lane.
If you miss your exit, do not stop; do not back up. It is against the law
and is one of the most dangerous things you can do on an interstate highway.
Instead, go on to the next exit. Get back on the interstate and return to
the exit you want.
Exit lanes. Most interstate exits have a special lane for you to
use to slow down before you reach the exit ramp. Never slow down on the
interstate itself. Wait until you are fully in the deceleration lane
(off-ramp), then reduce speed to the posted ramp speed. Be aware of two-way
traffic ahead after you exit from the interstate.
WEATHER CHANGES
A sudden change in the weather calls for a change in your driving. hr your
safety, it is important that you adjust your speed to the weather conditions.
When driving in a heavy downpour or in fog, slow down and turn on your low
beam headlights.
Driving in fog: If the fog is so dense that it impairs your vision,
you should not drive at all. If you must drive, slow down and drive to the
nearest place where it is possible for you to get off the highway and stop.
You are risking your life by creeping along at 10 to 20 m.p.h. on the highway.
Be prepared for an emergency stop. Red tail lights ahead may be a vehicle
that is stopped on the roadway, or just barely moving. Be aware that vehicles
coming up behind you may be driving too fast. Tap your brakes lightly to
make these drivers aware of your vehicle.
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