Module 06 2004

Information Processing:Information Processing:

Complex Risk EnvironmentsComplex Risk Environments

Topic 1 --Topic 1 -- Characteristics of ExpresswaysCharacteristics of Expressways

Topic 2 --Topic 2 -- Entering, Changing Lanes, and ExitingEntering, Changing Lanes, and Exiting

Topic 3 --Topic 3 -- High Speed ConsiderationsHigh Speed Considerations

Module Six TransparenciesModule Six Transparencies

VirginiaVirginia Department of Department of EducationEducation

Provided in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Motor VehiclesProvided in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

Controlled access (limited Controlled access (limited entry and exit)entry and exit)

High speed (up to 65 mph)High speed (up to 65 mph)

Divided by a barrier or Divided by a barrier or median median

Multiple lanesMultiple lanes

May have minimum speed May have minimum speed limitlimit

Only for motorized vehiclesOnly for motorized vehicles

Characteristics of an ExpresswayCharacteristics of an Expressway

T – 6.1

Topic 1 Lesson 1

Cloverleaf InterchangeCloverleaf Interchange

T – 6.2

Topic 1 Lesson 2

A cloverleaf interchangeA cloverleaf interchange has a series of entrance and exit ramps that resemble the outline of a four leaf clover.

allows for the interchange of two expressways or major roadways.

has shared entrance and exit weave lanes.

This designThis design

Traffic is permitted to move ONLY in the direction indicated by the arrows.

Diamond InterchangeDiamond Interchange

T – 6.3

Topic 1 Lesson 2

A diamond interchangeA diamond interchange is designed to be used when a road with slower speeds crosses a busy expressway.


for the interchange of a major roadway with a secondary dual or multiple lane roadway.

This design allows:This design allows:

Trumpet InterchangeTrumpet Interchange

T – 6.4

Topic 1 Lesson 2

A trumpet interchangeA trumpet interchange is used when an intersecting side road forms a T intersection with the expressway.


This design:This design:

accommodates the T-intersection flow of traffic at the junction of two roadways.

allows for traffic on a secondary two-way street to merge onto a multiple lane roadway.

Frontage Road InterchangeFrontage Road Interchange

T – 6.5

Topic 1 Lesson 2

Frontage Road InterchangesFrontage Road Interchanges allow vehicles using parallel secondary two-way or one-way roadways to merge onto a major multiple lane roadway.


drivers to exit a multiple lane roadway and use the parallel frontage road.

secondary road traffic flows to mix efficiently with higher speed traffic flows on the multiple lane roadway.

This design allows:This design allows:

Common Expressway SignsCommon Expressway Signs

Interstate signsInterstate signs

Warning signsWarning signs

Guide signsGuide signs

Speed limit signsSpeed limit signs

T – 6.6

Topic 1 Lesson 3

A major contributor to your decision as to how you will maintain a safe A major contributor to your decision as to how you will maintain a safe path of travel, proper lane position, and your lane choice, is based on path of travel, proper lane position, and your lane choice, is based on the information provided by the road signs and lane markings.the information provided by the road signs and lane markings.

Common Expressway SignalsCommon Expressway Signals

Lane SignalsLane Signals

T – 6.7

Topic 1 Lesson 3

A GREEN arrowGREEN arrow over a lane — the lane is open for travel.

A YELLOW “X”YELLOW “X” over a lane — travel in that lane is about to change or close.

A RED “X”RED “X” over a lane — travel in that lane is closed or prohibited.

Reversible lane signals

Expressway Lane MarkingsExpressway Lane Markings

T – 6.8

Topic 1 Lesson 3

Solid Solid YELLOWYELLOW lineline

Solid WHITE line

Broken WHITE line

HOV lanes

marks the left edge of the roadway.should always be on the driver’s

left side.

separates lanes of traffic going in the same direction.

marks the right edge of the roadway, or entrance and exit lanes.

are marked with a white diamond.require a minimum number of passengers in

the vehicle.

Traffic FlowTraffic Flow

(high occupancy vehicle)

Entrance RampsEntrance Ramps

T – 6.9

Topic 2 Lesson 1

EntranceRamp

Acc

eler

atio

nL

ane

Mer

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Are

a

Entrance ramps provide one-way Entrance ramps provide one-way directional access to an expressway.directional access to an expressway.

The ramp is divided into three sections:The ramp is divided into three sections:1. 1. The Entrance or Access RampThe Entrance or Access Ramp — — gives the

driver time to begin evaluating traffic conditions.

2. 2. The Acceleration LaneThe Acceleration Lane — — allows a driver to adjust vehicle speed to the speed of traffic on the expressway.

3. 3. The Merging AreaThe Merging Area — — allows the driver to merge onto the expressway.

Entering the Entrance RampEntering the Entrance Ramp

EntranceRamp

Enter the Entrance RampEnter the Entrance Ramp

Begin Searching for a Begin Searching for a Gap / Open SpaceGap / Open Space

Identify Gap / SpaceIdentify Gap / Space

T – 6.10

Topic 2 Lesson 1

EntranceRamp

Use the left-lane signal indicator

Adjust speed to match the speed of the traffic on the expressway

Monitor gap on expressway

Acceleration LaneAcceleration Lane

T – 6.11

Topic 2 Lesson 1

Acceleration LaneAcceleration Lane

Accelerate to blend with the speed of Accelerate to blend with the speed of traffic on the expresswaytraffic on the expressway

Check Rear and Left Rear ZonesCheck Rear and Left Rear Zones

Entering Merge AreaEntering Merge Area

T – 6.12

Topic 2 Lesson 1

Mer

ge

Are

a

Merge AreaMerge Area

Check Front ZoneCheck Front Zone

Check Rear and Left Rear ZonesCheck Rear and Left Rear Zones

Select GapSelect Gap

Identify a Target Area in the Open SpaceIdentify a Target Area in the Open Space

Selecting a Gap in TrafficSelecting a Gap in Traffic

T – 6.13

Topic 2 Lesson 1

Merge AreaMerge Area

Target Area

Merging into the Traffic FlowMerging into the Traffic Flow

T – 6.14

Topic 2 Lesson 1

Continue searching for adequate gap Continue searching for adequate gap

Search for potential conflictsSearch for potential conflicts

Prepare to adjust speedPrepare to adjust speed

Avoid stopping on the rampAvoid stopping on the ramp

Be prepared to drive onto the shoulder if Be prepared to drive onto the shoulder if

necessarynecessary

Merge smoothlyMerge smoothly

Create space around your vehicle once Create space around your vehicle once

you have entered the laneyou have entered the lane

Selecting the Appropriate LaneSelecting the Appropriate LaneTopic 2 Lesson 1

T – 6.15

When merging onto an expressway, stay in the right lane until you become accustomed to the faster traffic flow.

Center Vehicle in Proper LaneCenter Vehicle in Proper Lane

Adjust Speed to Traffic Flow and Legal LimitAdjust Speed to Traffic Flow and Legal Limit

Reduced Risk Lane ChangesReduced Risk Lane Changes

T – 6.16

Topic 2 Lesson 2

Entering or exitingEntering or exiting

Allowing another driver Allowing another driver to enterto enter

Following large or Following large or slow-moving vehiclesslow-moving vehicles

Lane ahead becomes Lane ahead becomes blockedblocked

Being tailgatedBeing tailgated

AnimalsAnimals

PassingPassing

Reasons for changing lanes include:Reasons for changing lanes include:

EntranceEntranceRampRamp

ExitExit

RampRamp

Reduced Risk Lane ChangesReduced Risk Lane Changes

T – 6.16a

Topic 2 Lesson 2

Steps to safely change lanes:Steps to safely change lanes:

Maintain a safe following distance from the vehicles in front of you.

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 blind spots in the direction of the lane change.

Adjust your speed — if clear, steer smoothly to the new lane, if not, wait and cancel your turn signal.

Move one lane at a time.

Scan in direction of the BLUE arrows

Choosing Lanes at Exit or EntranceChoosing Lanes at Exit or EntranceRight Lane:Right Lane: Heavier and slower vehicles

Vehicles entering the expressway

Vehicles getting ready to exit

Left Lane:Left Lane:Higher speed and passing traffic

Exit / Entry

Right Lane

Center Lane

Left Lane

T – 6.17

Topic 2 Lesson 2

Center Lane:Center Lane:Long distance or passing

Passing on Multi-Lane RoadsPassing on Multi-Lane Roads

T – 6.19

Topic 2 Lesson 3

Check traffic ahead, to the sides, and behind

Signal

Make a head check

Accelerate smoothly

Change lanes smoothly

Cancel signal

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

The RED line shows path of the red car.

The BLUE arrows show where the driver’s eyes are searching.

When Being PassedWhen Being Passed

Monitor passing vehicle’s position

Move to lane position 3 to increase space cushion

Do not increase speed—decelerate if necessary

Once passed, create space ahead and behind

move away

T – 6.20

Topic 2 Lesson 3

Multiple Lane Roadway ExitMultiple Lane Roadway ExitTopic 2 Lesson 4

T – 6.21

An expressway exit has two An expressway exit has two components:components:

1. The Deceleration Lane —1. The Deceleration Lane — gives the driver the time and space needed to adjust his/her vehicle’s speed to the slower posted ramp speed without disrupting the flow of traffic on the expressway.

2. The Exit Ramp —2. The Exit Ramp — allows traffic to enter an adjoining roadway.

ExitRamp

Dec

eler

atio

n L

ane

Identify theIdentify the Exit Exit EarlyEarly

T – 6.21a

Topic 2 Lesson 4

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. So, Exit 45A is a right exit, because in this picture the exit number on the upper right-hand side of the sign.

In Virginia, 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 deceleration lane.

Exiting the ExpresswayExiting the Expressway

Deceleration LaneDeceleration Lane

Signal

Maintain speed while on the expressway

Use mirrors to check behind and to the sides

Check mirror blindzones

Move into deceleration lane

Prepare to decelerate quickly

T – 6.22

Topic 2 Lesson 4

Dec

eler

atio

n L

ane

ExitRamp



T – 6.23

Topic 2 Lesson 4

Enter Deceleration Lane by easing over several of Enter Deceleration Lane by easing over several of the broken lines the broken lines

Release Accelerator and Cancel SignalRelease Accelerator and Cancel Signal

Check Rear and Begin BrakingCheck Rear and Begin Braking

Adjusting Exit SpeedAdjusting Exit Speed


ExitRamp

Brake to Warning Sign Speed — Check Behind

Scan New Path of Travel to the Front

Search for Traffic Control Signs or Signals

T – 6.24

Topic 2 Lesson 4

Weave LaneWeave Lane

T – 6.25

Topic 2 Lesson 4

Traffic entering and exiting the expressway uses the same lane.Traffic entering and exiting the expressway uses the same lane.

To avoid a conflict, To avoid a conflict, the driver in the the driver in the BLUE car entering from the car entering from the entrance ramp must yield the right-of-way to the driver in the entrance ramp must yield the right-of-way to the driver in the RED car who is leaving the expressway. who is leaving the expressway.

Potential Exiting ProblemsPotential Exiting Problems

“Weave” lane conflicts

Short deceleration lane

Sharp curve on ramp

Traffic stopped on the exit ramp

There may be a STOP There may be a STOP sign or a traffic light at sign or a traffic light at the end of the exit ramp. the end of the exit ramp. The driver must adjust The driver must adjust from a fast speed to a from a fast speed to a STOP in a short distance.STOP in a short distance.

T – 6.26

Topic 2 Lesson 4

On the Expressway…On the Expressway…

Drive over or across the Drive over or across the median or yellow painted line.median or yellow painted line.

Make a left turn or a U-turn on Make a left turn or a U-turn on crossovers (designed for crossovers (designed for emergency vehicles only).emergency vehicles only).

Use the left lane except for Use the left lane except for passing.passing.

Change lanes without Change lanes without signaling and checking for an signaling and checking for an adequate gap in traffic.adequate gap in traffic.

T – 6.27

Topic 3 Lesson 1

Do Not:Do Not:

On the Expressway…On the Expressway…

Drive onto an expressway Drive onto an expressway except from an on-ramp.except from an on-ramp.

Park or Stop on an Park or Stop on an expressway shoulder unless expressway shoulder unless you have an emergency or you have an emergency or mechanical difficulties.mechanical difficulties.

Backup.Backup.

Walk or ride a bike.Walk or ride a bike.

T – 6.28

Topic 3 Lesson 1

Do Not:Do Not:

Multiple Lane Roadway DangersMultiple Lane Roadway Dangers

At higher speeds greater braking At higher speeds greater braking distances are needed to stop and…distances are needed to stop and…

T – 6.29

Topic 3 Lesson 1

Traffic may enter and/or exit on your leftTraffic may enter and/or exit on your left

Velocitation may effect Velocitation may effect your ability to judge speed your ability to judge speed

Highway hypnosis Highway hypnosis may occurmay occur

Field of vision is Field of vision is narrowednarrowed

BrakeBrake

20 mph

40 mph

60 mph

20 ft.

80 ft.

180 ft.

65 mph65 mph

Multiple Lane Roadway DangersMultiple Lane Roadway Dangers

Vehicles moving onto the shoulder Vehicles moving onto the shoulder or re-entering the roadwayor re-entering the roadway

T – 6.30

Topic 3 Lesson 1

Tires losing traction and hydroplaning Tires losing traction and hydroplaning during wet weather conditionsduring wet weather conditions

Slow moving vehicles ahead or “Pack Slow moving vehicles ahead or “Pack Driving”Driving”

Two vehicles changing lanes at the Two vehicles changing lanes at the same time into same lanesame time into same lane

Windy and/or wet sections of the roadwayWindy and/or wet sections of the roadway

Highway HypnosisHighway Hypnosis

Plan breaks and rest stops to combat highway hypnosis or go to a safe area for rest or sleep when tired.

Is a dulled or drowsy condition that can occur when driving long distances

T – 6.31

Topic 3 Lesson 1

Situation becomes worse when the driver’s eyes focus on the center line.

Ramp MeteringRamp Metering

Used to control large volumes of traffic entering Used to control large volumes of traffic entering expresswaysexpressways

Uses a system of lights and sensorsUses a system of lights and sensors

Allows only a few cars at a time to enter congested Allows only a few cars at a time to enter congested limited access highwayslimited access highways

T – 6.32

Topic 3 Lesson 1

Short Trips on ExpresswaysShort Trips on Expressways

Know the name, route, and number of the entrance and exit to be used

Check vehicle for maintenance problems

Take a local map

Plan a time to travel to avoid Plan a time to travel to avoid congestion around major citiescongestion around major cities

T – 6.33

Topic 3 Lesson 1

Long Trips on ExpresswaysLong Trips on Expressways

Do vehicle maintenance checks Do vehicle maintenance checks

Balance vehicle loadBalance vehicle load

Plan stops for:Plan stops for:

– FoodFood

– RestRest

– FuelFuel

Know the route numbers you need Know the route numbers you need to taketo take

Take a map of the planned routeTake a map of the planned route

Check with police or VDOT for Check with police or VDOT for construction delaysconstruction delays

Carry money or credit cardsCarry money or credit cardsT – 6.34

Topic 3 Lesson 1

Reducing Risk Entering the RoadwayReducing Risk Entering the Roadway

Search for proper entranceSearch for proper entrance

Search for potential conflictsSearch for potential conflicts

Prepare to adjust speedPrepare to adjust speed

Avoid stopping on the rampAvoid stopping on the ramp

Be prepared to drive onto the Be prepared to drive onto the shouldershoulder

Merge smoothlyMerge smoothly

Create space around your Create space around your vehiclevehicle

T – 6.35

Topic 3 Lesson 2

Increase Following DistanceIncrease Following Distance

When following large trucks or busesWhen following large trucks or buses

When following motorcyclesWhen following motorcycles

When driving in bad weatherWhen driving in bad weather

When being tailgatedWhen being tailgated

When driving with a heavy load or When driving with a heavy load or pulling a trailerpulling a trailer

When entering/exiting the expresswayWhen entering/exiting the expressway

T – 6.36

Topic 3 Lesson 2

INCREASEINCREASE

Special Roadway ConditionsSpecial Roadway Conditions

Disabled vehiclesDisabled vehicles

T – 6.37

Topic 3 Lesson 2

Expressways through citiesExpressways through cities

• Don’t be a “rubber necker”

• Give the disabled vehicle plenty of room

• Pull as far off the roadway as possible if your vehicle becomes disabled

• Avoid driving in the right lane when vehicles are merging

• Search for signs, signals, and roadway markings

• Search for exits early and adjust position in adequate time to exit safely

• Don’t make last minute lane changes to gain access to an exit

• Monitor the zones around your vehicle and adjust position to create space cushions

Special Roadway ConditionsSpecial Roadway Conditions

T – 6.37a

Topic 3 Lesson 2

Construction areasConstruction areas

Toll boothsToll booths Exact change booths — The driver deposits

coins (exact change) into a machine. Attendant operated booths — For large

vehicles or drivers without exact change. Electronically operated booths — For

drivers with prepaid accounts (Smart Tag).

When exiting a toll-booth plaza, search traffic to both sides for open space, accelerate smoothly, and adjust speed to blend with the flow of traffic.

Use caution when approaching: Search ahead for warning signs.

Reduce your speed.

Adjust position to maintain a space around your vehicle.

Business

Module 06 2004