Low-Risk Driving  a skill for LIFE 

- - - - - - - - - - Road Safety by Dieter Fischer - - - - - - - - - -

ISBN No. 0 09577 426 06   

   Your  SAFETY  is  Driving

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A.11  FREEWAY DRIVING

Entering a freeway correctly is a skill that tests a drivers' confidence in their judgement of traffic and use of acceleration power. Without these, learners frustrate themselves and traffic around them.

The usual entry is by a left hand turn, that leads to an acceleration lane, also called 'freeway ramp'.

           Follow these instructions to enter safely:

 

Obtain a view of traffic already on the freeway:

Indicate right on the approach. The earlier the better. Keep your distance from preceding traffic, should they slow or stop unexpectedly, as happens in turn-left-with-care lanes. Cancel signal once you are on the freeway.
Match your speed with that of the freeway traffic. This usually means accelerate! The longer the acceleration lane and the more power your car can produce, the smoother your entry will be. Only slow down, if absolutely necessary.

If you are travelling on the freeway, show courtesy by accommodating vehicles trying to enter. Either slow down or change to the left-hand lane! 

Incorrect ways to enter and leave a freeway!
This picture  shows how NOT to enter a freeway!

<<<  Wrong entry into the acceleration lane!   

Note how a problem in one lane, can easily spill over into an adjacent one.

It is your responsibility to give way to traffic on the freeway, should this become an issue. Look for the white dotted line. Once you have crossed this line, you are on the freeway.

This picture shows how NOT to leave a laned road, especially a freeway!

<<<  Last minute decision to turn?             

Exiting a freeway is by a 'deceleration lane' (at far left). Before reducing speed, indicate left. Move across the white broken line first, then commence braking. 

This truck driver is not happy, having to brake hard, because the car's late decision to turn.

Two things  NOT  to do before exiting: 

1. Don't overtake just prior to turning off.

2. Never reverse on a freeway, even if you missed your turn-off.

When nearing the freeway exit, look for these green signs. The two white bars indicate 200 meters to the exit. There are three of these, placed at 100, 200 and 300 metres before the start of the exit ramp.

Multi-laned roads with long, steep downhill sections* pose danger to fast moving traffic in the left lane. Heavy vehicles may be travelling at a very slow speed.

Be extra cautious in the wet, driving down steep stretches of road. Braking distances are far longer than on level, dry road!

ALL IN FAVOUR OF ROAD SAFETY

PLEASE RAISE YOUR RIGHT FOOT ! 

*Adelaide's six-laned freeway, which gently winds it's way for 7 km down from the Mount Lofty Ranges to the outskirts of the city, is a good example of a long downhill, hazardous freeway.

Motorists travel up 100 km/h to gain fast access to the city. However, in the far left lane, heavy, fully laden trucks could be travelling as low as 15 or 20 km/h using low-gear to assist the brakes. (They otherwise may overheat under constant braking).

Therefore, fast moving traffic must avoid travelling in the left lane. The speed difference may leave very little time to lane change. 

Imagine entering the *Heysen Tunnel in the left lane covering 27 m per second (at 100 km/h). Suddenly the left lane is occupied by a fully-laden truck crawling along at 4.16 m per second (15 km/h). 

An additional danger factor - the tunnel and the freeway are curved in places, reducing visibility. (See Chapter 29 - Dangers on bends)

*Speed limit is 90 km/h.

Disclaimer: Above information could vary in your part of the world. We take no responsibility for any accidents or failed driving tests, even if the advise in this book has been followed. We recommend you use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor.  Site copyright ©driving-school.com.au  2001 Redesign 2010

 Here is a little test to remember what you have learned. Firstly, answer the True / False question. Secondly, using the letter beside the correct answer, form a word. All answers are on this page!

 T>  W

 To enter a freeway it's best to build up speed.   F>  I
 T>  E Other drivers may even change lanes to let you in.   F>  N

 T>  N

 Before entering a freeway I stop and look for traffic.   F>  A
 T>  E To leave a freeway I indicate left and slow down on the freeway.   F>  R

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