URBAN ROADWAYS RURAL ROADWAYS CHARACTERISTICS High volume of traffic with many hazards Multiple intersections with left and right turn lanes, stop signs and traffic signal lights Stores and businesses present Public transportation 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 KEY POINTS FOR DRIVING 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 Be alert for areas where sudden stops may occur Keep as much as possible from oncoming vehicles Take action if driver in oncoming lane crosses center line Right lane usually for slower traffic Avoid driving next to other vehicles Drive in correct lane, indicated by arrows on pavement Manage speed to increase control Brake and steer without losing control Adjust speed when conditions are unsafe Position vehicle to maintain 20 – 30 second visual lead Side roads intersect with a main road Maintain 3-second following distance Slow down, move to right side of lane without going on shoulders REDUCING RISK Increase following distance Search to the sides and rear Move slightly to the 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 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 SPECIAL SITUATIONS Driving on one and two-way streets Parked vehicles Blocked intersections Unexpected situations on crowded streets Pedestrians and bicyclists Public transportation 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 Module 5: Topic 6 Expressway Driving 1. Characteristics of Expressways:
Entrance Ramp As you enter the ramp, immediately begin searching for a gap/open space. Some entrance have 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 the expressway 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 Prepare to adjust speed for heavy traffic on the ramp stopping or backing up on a ramp 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 turn around and get off the ramp Avoid backing or stopping on ramp Acceleration Lane Accelerate to speed of traffic Monitor gap, and blend with the speed of traffic on the expressway Maintain speed and safe following distance Signal Accelerate to the of vehicles on the expressway Continuously front and rear zones, mirrors and blind spot Decide when and to merge 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 Area Area used to move onto the expressway and is usually marked with a broken white line Help drivers enter expressway by adjusting speed or changing lanes if it is safe to do so Check Front, Rear and Left Rear Zones Select Gap Move into the open space on expressway Heavy traffic No gap to move onto expressway Traffic slowing or stopping ahead 5. for entering an expressway: Identify entrance ¼ mile in advance Check traffic Signal the proper lane Enter ramp and adjust speed