NEXT
A.11
FREEWAY DRIVING
Entering a freeway
correctly is a skill that tests 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 right-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
left on the approach.
The earlier the better.
Keep your distance from preceding traffic, should they slow or stop
unexpectedly. 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 a little 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.
|
|
On the approach to a 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 intervals 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 in that lane, causing an obstruction to fast flowing traffic. If
legal and safer, use the centre lane, where possible.
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 ! |
|
