This document provides information about driving on expressways, including: - Characteristics of expressways like controlled access, high speeds, divided lanes, and only allowing motor vehicles. - Types of expressway interchanges like cloverleaf, diamond, trumpet, and frontage road and their characteristics. - Proper techniques for entering, exiting, merging, passing, and lane changes on expressways. - The purpose and components of entrance ramps, exit ramps, acceleration lanes, and deceleration lanes. It emphasizes the importance of signaling, scanning traffic, and adjusting speed when maneuvering on expressways.

1. 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 EducationDepartment of Education
Provided in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Motor VehiclesProvided in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

2. Controlled access (limitedControlled access (limited
entry and exit)entry and exit)
High speed (up to 65 mph)High speed (up to 65 mph)
Divided by a barrier orDivided by a barrier or
medianmedian
Multiple lanesMultiple lanes
May have minimum speedMay 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

3. 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.

4. 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.
Traffic is permitted to move ONLY in
the direction indicated by the arrows.
for the interchange of a major
roadway with a secondary dual or
multiple lane roadway.
This design allows:This design allows:

5. 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.
Traffic is permitted to move ONLY in
the direction indicated by the arrows.
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.

6. 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.
Traffic is permitted to move ONLY in
the direction indicated by the arrows.
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:

7. 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 safeA 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 onpath 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.

8. 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

9. Expressway Lane MarkingsExpressway Lane Markings
T – 6.8
Topic 1 Lesson 3
SolidSolid 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)

10. Entrance RampsEntrance Ramps
T – 6.9
Topic 2 Lesson 1
Entrance
Ramp
Acceleration
Lane
Merge
Area
Entrance ramps provide one-wayEntrance 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.

11. Entering the Entrance RampEntering the Entrance Ramp
Entrance
Ramp
Enter the Entrance RampEnter the Entrance Ramp
Begin Searching for aBegin Searching for a
Gap / Open SpaceGap / Open Space
Identify Gap / SpaceIdentify Gap / Space
T – 6.10
Topic 2 Lesson 1
Entrance
Ramp

12. 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

13.  Accelerate to blend with the speed ofAccelerate 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
Merge
Area
Merge AreaMerge Area

14. 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

15. Merging into the Traffic FlowMerging into the Traffic Flow
T – 6.14
Topic 2 Lesson 1
 Continue searching for adequate gapContinue 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 ifBe prepared to drive onto the shoulder if
necessarynecessary
 Merge smoothlyMerge smoothly
 Create space around your vehicle onceCreate space around your vehicle once
you have entered the laneyou have entered the lane

16. Selecting the Appropriate LaneSelecting the Appropriate Lane
Topic 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

17. Reduced Risk Lane ChangesReduced Risk Lane Changes
T – 6.16
Topic 2 Lesson 2
 Entering or exitingEntering or exiting
 Allowing anotherAllowing another
driver to enterdriver to enter
 Following large orFollowing large or
slow-moving vehiclesslow-moving vehicles
 Lane ahead becomesLane ahead becomes
blockedblocked
 Being tailgatedBeing tailgated
 AnimalsAnimals
 PassingPassing
Reasons for changing lanes include:Reasons for changing lanes include:
EntranceEntrance
RampRamp
ExitExit
RampRamp

18. 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

19. Choosing Lanes at Exit or EntranceChoosing Lanes at Exit or Entrance
Right 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

20. 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.

21. 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

22. Multiple Lane Roadway ExitMultiple Lane Roadway Exit
Topic 2 Lesson 4
T – 6.21
An expressway exit has twoAn 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.
Exit
Ramp
DecelerationLane

23. Identify theIdentify the ExitExit 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.

24. 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
DecelerationLane
Exit
Ramp

25. Deceleration LaneDeceleration Lane
Deceleration LaneDeceleration Lane
T – 6.23
Topic 2 Lesson 4
Enter Deceleration Lane by easing over several ofEnter Deceleration Lane by easing over several of
the broken linesthe broken lines
Release Accelerator and Cancel SignalRelease Accelerator and Cancel Signal
Check Rear and Begin BrakingCheck Rear and Begin Braking

26. Adjusting Exit SpeedAdjusting Exit Speed
Deceleration LaneDeceleration Lane
Exit
Ramp
 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

27. 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 thethe driver in the BLUE car entering from thecar entering from the
entrance ramp must yield the right-of-way to the driver in theentrance ramp must yield the right-of-way to the driver in the RED
car who is leaving the expressway.who is leaving the expressway.

28. 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 STOPThere may be a STOP
sign or a traffic light atsign or a traffic light at
the end of the exit ramp.the end of the exit ramp.
The driver must adjustThe driver must adjust
from a fast speed to afrom a fast speed to a
STOP in a short distance.STOP in a short distance.
T – 6.26
Topic 2 Lesson 4

29. On the Expressway…On the Expressway…
 Drive over or across theDrive over or across the
median or yellow painted line.median or yellow painted line.
 Make a left turn or a U-turn onMake a left turn or a U-turn on
crossovers (designed forcrossovers (designed for
emergency vehicles only).emergency vehicles only).
 Use the left lane except forUse the left lane except for
passing.passing.
 Change lanes withoutChange lanes without
signaling and checking for ansignaling and checking for an
adequate gap in traffic.adequate gap in traffic.
T – 6.27
Topic 3 Lesson 1
Do Not:Do Not:

30. On the Expressway…On the Expressway…
 Drive onto an expresswayDrive onto an expressway
except from an on-ramp.except from an on-ramp.
 Park or Stop on anPark or Stop on an
expressway shoulder unlessexpressway shoulder unless
you have an emergency oryou 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:

31. Multiple Lane Roadway DangersMultiple Lane Roadway Dangers
At higher speeds greater brakingAt 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 effectVelocitation may effect
your ability to judge speedyour ability to judge speed
Highway hypnosisHighway hypnosis
may occurmay occur
Field of vision isField of vision is
narrowednarrowed
BrakeBrake
20 mph
40 mph
60 mph
20 ft.
80 ft.
180 ft.
65 mph65 mph

32. Multiple Lane Roadway DangersMultiple Lane Roadway Dangers
Vehicles moving onto the shoulderVehicles moving onto the shoulder
or re-entering the roadwayor re-entering the roadway
T – 6.30
Topic 3 Lesson 1
Tires losing traction and hydroplaningTires losing traction and hydroplaning
during wet weather conditionsduring wet weather conditions
Slow moving vehicles ahead or “PackSlow moving vehicles ahead or “Pack
Driving”Driving”
Two vehicles changing lanes at theTwo 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

33. 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.

34. Ramp MeteringRamp Metering
 Used to control large volumes of traffic enteringUsed 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 congestedAllows only a few cars at a time to enter congested
limited access highwayslimited access highways
T – 6.32
Topic 3 Lesson 1

35. 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 avoidPlan a time to travel to avoid
congestion around major citiescongestion around major cities
T – 6.33
Topic 3 Lesson 1

36. Long Trips on ExpresswaysLong Trips on Expressways
Do vehicle maintenance checksDo vehicle maintenance checks
Balance vehicle loadBalance vehicle load
Plan stops for:Plan stops for:
– FoodFood
– RestRest
– FuelFuel
Know the route numbers you needKnow 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 forCheck with police or VDOT for
construction delaysconstruction delays
Carry money or credit cardsCarry money or credit cards
T – 6.34
Topic 3 Lesson 1

37. 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 theBe prepared to drive onto the
shouldershoulder
 Merge smoothlyMerge smoothly
 Create space around yourCreate space around your
vehiclevehicle
T – 6.35
Topic 3 Lesson 2

38. 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 orWhen 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

39. 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

40. 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.