PART 3 SECT 7

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NTSA - Part 3: Section 7: DEMANDS OF FREEWAY DRIVING

Section 7 - DEMANDS OF FREEWAY DRIVING

A little freeway humor

The San Diego Freeway's congestion problems are legendary, leading to the

joke that the Interstate was named 405 because traffic moves at "four orfive" miles an hour.

7.1 PLANNING A ROUTE IN ADVANCE:

There is nothing like having a plan. As with choosing a safe route in the priorsection on city driving demands, freeway driving demands also include havingsome familiarity with an area you're driving on the freeway, understandingand using guide signs, and the importance of planning your travel time toavoid traffic situation delays.

Be Familiar with Alternate Exits

It's important to have a familiarity with surrounding roads and freeway existsnear where you plan to exit a freeway. Although the reasons to plan analternate route and exit may be obvious, a few popular examples includesports events, construction areas, and commuter traffic grid-lock. If you arenot familiar with an area you plan to drive, it's best to at least have a map ofthe road network of that area. Here are some other suggestions:

Use various road maps or trip planning tools, available in print andonline formats.

If you live or work in an area, take time out to explore alternate routes.If you're just passing through, take a few moments at a rest stop toreview the road ahead referring to a map or to form an alternate routeplan.Learn to ask for directions.

Guide Signs - Placement of Guide Signs Which IndicateDistance and Route Direction

Keep an eye out for informational guide signs that displaycity, interstate, junctions, and route directions.

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Plan Time of Travel to Avoid Unfamiliar or Congested Traffic Situations

On California's busy freeways it's not just important knowing where you'regoing: you also need to plan WHEN you travel. As mentioned above in beingfamiliar with alternate exists, learn to use available resources (online mapsand trip planners) or ask other people when the best time to travel in an areais.

Tips:

1. Depending on the time it's best to travel or to avoid an area, view thesetime ranges as windows of opportunity.

2. Never discount the quality of information you can discover by askingother people more familiar with an area. Gas stations, grocery stores,freeway junction businesses are excellent places to find out about theroad ahead.

7.2 ENTERING THE FREEWAY:

When entering a freeway, you must be able to enter without disrupting otherdrivers, and match the speed of traffic (Figure 7.1). You must signal toindicate your intent to move into the freeway lane. Merge slowly when it issafe to do so.

Figure 7.1

Acceleration Lanes: Extra Lane Permitting a Vehicle to Reach FreewaySpeeds

Here are the steps to use an acceleration lane:

1. Be familiar with entrance warning signs2. Observe ramp speed limit

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3. Check speed of freeway traffic4. Watch vehicle ahead for sudden stops5. Locate a gap in traffic

Remember, any time you merge, you need a gap of at least four seconds.However, this gives both you and the other vehicle only a two secondfollowing distance.

Don't try to squeeze into a gap that is too small. Leave yourself a bigenough space cushion.Watch for vehicles around you. Use your mirrors and turn signals. Turnyour head to look quickly to the side before changing lanes. Leave threeseconds of space between you and the vehicle ahead. Make sure you canstop safely if you must.If you need to cross several freeway lanes, cross them one at a time. Ifyou wait until all lanes are clear, you may cause traffic delays or anaccident.

6. Adjust speed for merging onto freeway and enter the freeway at or near

the speed of traffic. (Remember that the maximum speed allowed is 65mph on most freeways.)

7. Signal until entering through-traffic lane

7.3 COMMON MISTAKES ENTERING FROMACCELERATION LANE:

Sudden Slowing or Stopping

Although freeway traffic has right of way, merging traffic should never stopcompletely before entering the freeway, unless in emergency or under specialconditions, such as traffic lights regulating vehicles' entry.

Merging At Too Slow a Speed

The on-ramp is a good time to accelerate your vehicle to match the speed oftraffic you plan to merge into; this will ensure a smooth transition into anopen lane without causing traffic behind you to suddenly slow down. Signal afew seconds ahead of your move.

7.4 ENTERING DIRECTLY ONTO THE FREEWAY - NO ACCELERATION LANE:

Most freeway entry areas have an acceleration lane; however there are areas

where you will have to factor in a shorter area to accelerate and more time toallow your vehicle to merge safely into freeway traffic.

Yield or Merge Signs before Entering

Where there is no acceleration lane, stay alert for yield or merge signs beforedriving onto a freeway

Wait for a Longer Gap before Entering

With a shorter length of lane to accelerate, you need to estimate and wait for

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a longer traffic opening on the freeway so you have time to merge safely,sometimes using a portion of the freeway right-hand lane to fully match thespeed and flow of traffic.

Acceleration Speed to Blend into Traffic

Acceleration speed is dictated by several factors:

The time and distance you have to increase your vehicle speedExisting freeway traffic flow and the amount of vehiclesEstimating longer gaps that you can safely merge into

Let's take the steps to use an acceleration lane and adapt it to when there isno lane:

1. Be familiar with entrance yield and warning signs2. Check speed of freeway traffic3. Watch vehicle ahead for sudden stops4. Locate a longer gap in traffic

5. Adjust speed for merging onto freeway through lanes6. Signal until entering through-traffic lane

7.5 SPECIAL SITUATIONS:

As hinted before, California freeways can get busy simply for the fact of thequantity of vehiclessometimes in what seems like everyone going in thesame direction at the same time. To help lessen traffic congestion and helpregulate traffic flow, you'll sooner or later encounter some special situations.

Timed Entrance Lights

During heavy traffic times, some freeways have timedentrance traffic signal lights, essentially to help space outor regulate the amount of traffic that merges into alreadyheavy traffic flow on the freeway. The two main things toremember when you encounter these devices are, "wait yourturn" and simply follow the directions on the sign.

Double Merge Lanes

For particularly heavy traffic flows, some freeways incorporate double merge

lanes that allow for more vehicles to access a freeway at one time. Tosuccessfully merge onto the freeway, keep in mind several things will begoing on at the same time:

Traffic road rules of a regular two-lane road, where slower traffic stays inthe right hand lane and faster moving traffic flows in the left lane.Freeway merging rulesnot only for your vehicle, but for all othervehicles around you!

The main thing to remember is to take your time, going with the flow oftraffic as everyone accelerates and finds their gap to merge safely with

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freeway speed moving vehicles.

Diamond Lanes

A carpool lane is a special freeway lane only for buses and/orcarpools. You may use a carpool lane or onramp if your vehiclecarries the minimum number of people required for the carpool laneor you drive a low-emission vehicle displaying a special DMV-issued

decal. Motorcycle riders may use designated carpool lanes, unlessotherwise posted.

Signs at the onramp or along the freeway tell you the minimumnumber of people required for the carpool and the hours the carpoolrequirement applies. The pavement in this lane is marked with adiamond symbol () and the words "Carpool Lane." These lanes arealso known as high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. Do not crossover double parallel solid lines to enter or exit any carpool laneexcept at designated entry or exit places.High-Occupancy VehicleLanes Prior law that permitted certain fuel-efficient, low-emission

vehicles to display stickers allowing them to be operated in HOVlanes with a single occupant was to expire on January 1, 2011. Thenew law extends the "sunset" date for the yellow stickers for hybridvehicles until July 1, 2011; the white stickers issued to fully-electricand compressed natural gas vehicles until January 1, 2015; andcreates a third sticker, for plug-in hybrid vehicles, to be issued andvalid from January 1, 2012 until January 1, 2015.

7.6 LEAVING THE FREEWAY:

Although a bit easier than entering a freeway, preparing to leave a freewayinvolves scanning ahead for your exit and also knowing what to do if you missyour exit.

Scan Ahead For Signs Indicating Desired Exit Lane

Pay particular attention to signs that inform you of distance,dedicated lane, junction, and even exit number informationyou need to make your exit. For certain areas, exist may bepresent on the right OR left.

What to Do When an Exit Is Missed

When you've missed an exit, it's time for a plan B, which means beingfamiliar with alternate exits and routes to get to where you want to go. Hereare some suggestions:

If you know you've missed your exit:

Consider driving to the next exit, turning off the freeway, finding a wayback on to the freeway in the opposite direction, and then driving downto the correct exit.

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If the next exit is not an option, you will need to seek another routereferring to your knowledge of the area, a map, or the directioninformation from someone.

If you do not know you've missed your exit:

Sooner or later it will dawn on you that you've gone too far. Do not worryor panic: it's happened to everyone. First order of business is to relax.

Pull over if necessary to gather your thoughts or to figure out where youare at on the road.Once you estimate where you are at, plan your return route finding eithera way back to the area you missed or plan a scenic alternate path.

7.7 EXIT LANES:

When you plan to exit the freeway, give yourself plenty of time. You shouldknow the freeway exit you want as well as the one that comes before it. Toexit safely:

Change lanes one at a time until you are in the proper lane to exit thefreeway.Signal your intention to exit approximately five seconds.Be sure you are at the proper speed for leaving the traffic lane not toofast (so you won't lose control) and not too slow (so the flow of trafficcan still move freely).

Deceleration Lanes Allow Drivers to Reduce Speed Without EndangeringTraffic to the Rear

As you enter an exit lane, also known as a Deceleration Lane or off ramp, use

this exit path off the freeway to safely slow your vehicle and adjust to thenext driving conditions: a stop sign, a traffic control light, merging behindanother vehicle as it awaits a turn, or simply coming to a slow stop to yieldto traffic flow moving across your path.

Multiple Deceleration Lanes

Multiple deceleration lanes warrant caution since, not only are you slowingdown, but others (sometimes to the side of your vehicle) around you are alsodecelerating. Several things to remember: Keep control of your vehicle,following posted sign guidance. Also practice patience and yield to other

drivers.

Adjusting Speed

Adjusting speed on the deceleration lane, exit lane, or off-ramprequires a certain skill, as you lower your speed based onposted speed limit signs and as you navigate curved exitramps. Let's review:

As you decelerate, adhere to the posted speed limit if

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traffic flow allows.Curved exit ramps can be very dangerous, even in the bestof driving conditions or if road conditions are worsened bywater, oil, or debris on the curved exit lane. Do notattempt to go fast on these ramps. Decelerate down toposted exit speed and navigate smoothly around the curve.

7.8 CHOOSING LANES OF TRAVEL:

Two-Lane Freeways

General rules: Don't weave in and out of traffic. Stay in one lane asmuch as possible.Use of right-hand lanes: Pick the right lane for slower moving traffic andfor the smoothest driving.Use of left-hand lanes: Select the left-lane if you intend to pass vehiclesin the right hand lane.

Three Lanes or More

General rule: Drive in the lane with the smoothest flow of traffic.Use of right-hand lanes: Use when you choose to drive slower than othervehicles around you, or when you enter or turn off the freeway.Use of center lanes: If you can choose among three lanes, pick themiddle lane for the smoothest driving.Use of left-hand lanes: To drive faster, pass, or use the left lane forspecial circumstances that includes if you qualify for carpool allowances.

Lane Use When Approaching Interchanges

Avoiding merging conflictsAny amount of merging takes a little of give and take from all responsibledrivers. Here are some recommendations:

For Merging Vehicles

Remember you do not have the right of way.It is your responsibilityto adjust your speed, find the needed gap,signal, and be attentive to traffic changes as you safely merge intotraffic.

For Vehicles driving on road where merging occurs

Remember you have the right of way, but also remember you have theability to also adjust your speed if conditions allow.If a vehicle is signaling (and sometimes not signaling!) and attemptingto merge in your lane try to let them mergeonly if it is safe.If an interchange is approaching and you want to avoid some of themerging headache, consider moving over a lane to open that far rightlane for the slower merging traffic.

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7.9 SPEED LIMITS:

Keep in mind what we've reviewed before: California's basic speed law meansyou may never drive faster than is safe for current conditions. Let's reviewposted freeway speed limits in more detail.

Posted Speed Limits

Maximum speedThe maximum speed limit on most California highways is 65 mph. You maydrive 70 mph where posted. Unless otherwise posted, the maximum speedlimit is 55 mph on two-lane undivided highways and for vehicles towingtrailers.

Other speed limit signs are posted for the type of roads and traffic in eacharea. All speed limits are based on ideal driving conditions. Constructionzones usually have reduced speed zones.

Driving faster than the posted speed limit, or than is safe for current

conditions, on any road is dangerous and illegal. High speed increases yourstopping distance and the faster you go, the less time you have to avoid ahazard or accident. Did you know the force of a 60 mph crash isn't just twiceas great as a 30 mph crash, it's four times as great?

Speed for conditionsRegardless of the posted speed limit, your speed should factor in thefollowing conditions:

The number and speed of other vehicles on the road.Road conditions, whether the road surface is smooth, rough, graveled,

wet, dry, wide, or narrow.Weather conditions, whether it is raining, foggy, snowing, windy, ordusty.

Minimum speedSome freeways will post minimum speed limits to ensure certain traffic flowcontinues. Follow posted minimum limits if you need to go slow in the righthand lane. Below are some law highlights about minimum speed:

On more general terms, if a sign is or is not present, no vehicle operator"shall drive upon a highway at such a slow speed as to impede or block

the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, unless the reducedspeed is necessary for safe operation, because of a grade, or incompliance with law.No person shall bring a vehicle to a complete stop upon a highway so asto impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic unlessthe stop is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.Although you must adjust your driving speed for various conditions, ifyou block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic by driving tooslowly, you may be given a ticket. If you choose to drive slower thanother traffic, do not drive in the fast lane. Always move to the right

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when another driver is close behind you and wishes to drive faster.

Lane use for slower vehiclesAs stated above, use the far right lanes for slower vehiclesgenerally theslowest vehicles to the far right and progressively faster vehicles to theadjacent left lane. Be aware of areas (due to hills and road grade changes,construction sites, and deceleration lanes) where:

Trucks may loose speed on long or steep hills.Industrial equipment may be set-up or entering a segment of protectedroad under construction.Lengthy deceleration lanes that allow vehicles to move along, often nearintersections where traffic can back-up a ways during commuter day timehours.

Dangers of Driving Too Slow

Again, as was stated above, there are definite dangers of driving too slow.Some examples include:

Blocking the flow of traffic Too slow a speed impedes or block thenormal and reasonable movement of traffic.Forced lane changes Too slow speed forces vehicles around theslower vehicle to make dangerous lane changes or abrupt (quick) brakingmaneuvers that disrupts traffic flow and places all surrounding vehiclesinto a hazardous driving environment.

7.10 MAKING A SAFE LANE CHANGE:

Making a safe lane change takes on special importance on high speed

freeways, where drivers need more time to react. Changing lanes can include:

Moving from one lane to another.Entering the freeway from an on-ramp.Entering the road from a curb or the shoulder.

Before changing lanes, signal, look in all your mirrors, and:

1. Check traffic ahead, behind and beside you.2. Glance over your left or right shoulder to make sure the lane you want is

clear.

3. Look for vehicles or motorcyclists in your blind spot.4. Be sure there is enough room for your vehicle in the next lane.5. Remember to signal in advance, usually at least five seconds.

Checking For Ample Space

Vehicle ahead part of safe lane changing includes knowing what's going onahead of your vehicle. Is traffic flowing smoothly so lane changing willhappen safely? Is traffic stopped ahead, perhaps in a gridlock? Is the pathclear and free of hazards in the lane you plan to change to?

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Vehicle to rear- part of your checks includes checking rearview mirror andrear blind spots. Are any vehicles quickly approaching in the lane you are in orthe lane you plan to change to? Is there a vehicle in the back signaling andalready preparing to pass you?

Vehicles to sides- remember to check your left and right sides to make sureyour path is clear for a smooth lane change.

Look For HazardsAs you're checking for ample space, completely scan around your vehicle by:

Use of mirrorsChecking for blind spots

Signaling in Advance

Always signal at least five seconds before you change lanes at freewayspeeds. And remember to cancel your signal after passing if it doesn't turn offby itself.

Change Lanes One at a Time

Change lanes one at a time, even if you intend to move over several lanes. Ifyou wait until all lanes are clear, you may cause traffic delays or an accident.Each lane change should include the above sequence of signaling, looking inall mirrors (and blind spots), and making an informed judgment that it's safeto change lanes.

Speed When Changing Lanes

When changing lanes, avoid slowing or stopping on the freeway. Attempt tomatch speed of general traffic flow in the lane you change to, increasing,maintaining, or decreasing your speed as needed. (Remember the maximumspeed allowed is 65 mph on most freeways.)

7.11 TIME MARGINS FOR FREEWAY CONDITIONS:

Establishing a Space Cushion

Any time you pass, merge, or change lanes, you need a gap of at least fourseconds. However, this gives both you and the other vehicle only a two

second following distance. Some recommendations:

Don't try to squeeze into a gap that is too small. Leave yourself a bigenough space cushion.Watch for vehicles around you. Use your mirrors and turn signals. Turnyour head to look quickly to the side before changing lanes. Leave threeseconds of space between you and the vehicle ahead. Make sure you canstop safely if you must.

7.12 HELPING OTHER DRIVERS ENTER OR EXIT:

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Part of the responsibility of all licensed vehicle operators is to share publicroads, highways, and freeways with other drivers. This responsibility extendsto helping other drivers as they enter or exit freeways.

Merging Signs, Warning Other Vehicles Are Entering the FreewayIf you're on a freeway and you see merging signs, prepare to adjust yourdriving speed and possibly change lanes to help accommodate vehicles thatare merging on to the freeway.

Adjusting Speed to Open a Gap

Helping other drivers as they enter or exit a freeway may include adjustingyour vehicle speed to open a gap in front of you or in back of your vehicle, sothey can safely merge into your lane.

If traffic conditions are particularly congested, where traffic is backed up(bumper to bumper) on a freeway, more merging vehicles can causeheadaches for just about everyone. General courtesy dictates if you encountera vehicle signaling to merge into your lane (where your traffic lane and their

traffic lane are close to a stand-still), attempt to slow to give them mergingspace when available. (An unspoken convention usually means every vehiclein the right-of-way lane allows at least one vehicle to merge onto the mainroad waythus preventing a deadlock stand-still in any traffic lane.)

Moving Into Adjacent Lanes

As mentioned above with merging signs, particularly near heavily traffickedareas in cities and congested freeway entry/exit ways, attempt to move intoan adjacent lane and stay in that lane until merging traffic conditions end.Moving into an adjacent laneusually a left laneopens up the slower, right-

hand lane for merging vehicles.

When planning to move into an adjacent lane, ALWAYS treat this maneuveras a regular lane change where you signal, look in all your mirrors, and:

1. Check traffic ahead, behind and beside you.2. Glance over your left or right shoulder to make sure the lane you want is

clear.3. Look for vehicles or motorcyclists in your blind spot.4. Be sure there is enough room for your vehicle in the next lane.5. Remember to signal in advance, usually at least five seconds.

7.13 FREEWAY EMERGENCIES:

Emergencies can occur on any freeway, from objects in the road includingfallen crates, boxes, debris, construction tools, or sometimes unfortunatelythe wreckage of an existing collisionbefore or after emergency personnelarrive on scene.. Other unforeseen emergencies include dealing with stoppedvehicles on the side of the road and safety steps you can practice if you haveto pull over on the side of the road.

Blocked Roadways

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For this freeway emergency, we assume youthe vehicle operatorisapproaching a blocked roadway condition.

Steering aroundIf you encounter a blocked roadway, gauge your ability to safely steer aroundthe obstacle. Remember your judgment should factor in vehicles around you,speed, distance from object, and road conditions.

If roadway is totally blocked, safely slow and move to the right side of theroadoff the road if possible. We'll go more into what to do in this specialcircumstance, below in the Breakdown section, "Pulling to the Shoulder."

Stopping

For this freeway emergency, we assume youthe vehicle operatorhas tomake an emergency stop onto the freeway shoulder.

Warning drivers to the rearIf you have to make an emergency stop, alert drivers to your vehicle's rear by

doing the following:

1. Signal your intention to move to the right shoulder by using your rightturn signal.

2. Use brake lights to signal that you are slowing down.3. Once safely to the right shoulder, activate and turn on your hazard lights

Brake lightsAs you begin braking, attempt to tap the brakes several times before fullyapplying the brakes. This initial flashing action tends to get people'sattention and alerts them that you might intend to stop or slow.

Hazard lightsTurn on your hazard lights as you slow and steer towards the side of theroad. As your vehicle comes to a complete stop, leave your vehicle hazardlights on the duration of your emergency stop.

7.14 BREAKDOWNS:

Breakdowns occur when a vehicle has a mechanical failure; a tire gets a flat;and when we run out of gas. When a vehicle breakdown happens, your firstpriority is to safely get off the road, either at a designated rest-stop, freeway

exit, or right hand shoulderas far off the freeway right-hand lane aspossible.

For our example, we assume your vehicle broke down on the freeway.

Pulling To The Shoulder

SignalingSignaling alerts other drivers of your intensions (by using your turn signal)and your eventual condition (by using your hazard lights).

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Similar to the above emergency conditions, alert drivers to your vehicle's rearby doing the following:

1. Signal your intention to move to the right shoulder by using your rightturn signal.

2. Use brake lights to signal that you are slowing down.3. Once safely to the right shoulder, activate and turn on your hazard lights

Shoulder use and vehicle positionIn all cases, if you have to pull over, steer over to the right shoulder as far assafely possible. Shoulder use and your vehicle position will depend on severalfactors to ensure your safety. Some general rules:

When using right shoulder, pull as far right off the road as possiblegiving yourself ample room on the driver side to exit the car, refill yourgas tank (if gas cap opening is on your vehicle's left side), or to changea tire.As you come to a stop, if on a flat-level road, ensure your wheels areeither pointed straight or slightly turned toward the right. (Although an

unsettling thought, if your vehicle is hit from the rear the vehicle willtend to go straight or off the road.)If you have to pull off the road on a bridge, a blind curve, or weatherconditions prevent clear visibility, again pull as far right as possible;however consider your vehicle and you an unforeseen obstacle andcandidate for a collision waiting to happen. It is best to distanceyourself from the vehicle, taking care to avoid the vehicle front in casesomeone hits it! Do not stay in the vehicle.Remember if you have to leave your vehicle, according to the CHP, lawenforcement can have your vehicle towed after it has been there for fourhours. Therefore, it is your responsibility to get your vehicle to thenearest repair station you can.

Warning Approaching Traffic

Hazard lightsAs you come to a stop, put on your hazard lights to alert other drivers thatyour vehicle is in trouble and that they should slow down.

Flares or warning devicesPutting a reflective triangle 50' to 100' behind your vehicle is a smart idea.Some drivers have flares. Flares can be very dangerous, especially aroundgasoline. They can roll away into the oncoming traffic unless you place thesquare cap on the back of the flare.

Be prepared tips:

Travel with a blanket, a flashlight, dry snacks, a first-aid kit, and somewater at all times so that you can provide for the comfort and safety ofyou or your passengers. Nowadays, a cell phone is a given for mostpeople on the road. Every vehicle should also be equipped with a sparetire and a driver who knows how to change one!

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Again, the chance of a vehicle breakdown is another great incentive totravel nearest the right hand side of the road; it is easier to get out ofthe way of traffic behind us if we are closer to the right.

7.15 RE-ENTERING THE FREEWAY:

When you do re-enter the freeway, treat it like merging on to a freewaywithout an acceleration lane, waiting until there are no vehicles in the

slowest lane and there is enough space between you and the vehicle in frontof you. Then pull out and accelerate as quickly as possible.

Signaling

As with all lane changes, signal your intention to merge on to the freewaybefore you begin moving. (Make sure your hazard signal is off.)

Accelerating on Shoulder

Accelerating on a shoulder is tricky and possibly dangerous as you encounter

loose debris, wet weather, or narrow shoulder conditions. Gauge your abilityto enter onto the freeway and accelerate on the shoulder only as neededbefore achieving a minimal traffic flow speed (for the right hand lane) andthen merge into traffic.

Entering Into An Adequate Gap

SpeedAs with merging on to a freeway without an acceleration lane, recall that youneed to estimate and wait for a longer traffic opening on the freeway so youhave time to merge safely, sometimes using a portion of the freeway right-

hand shoulder lane to fully match the speed and flow of traffic.

Checking for hazardsAs you signal, accelerate, find a gap opening, and attain a minimal trafficflow speed to merge back on to the freeway, continually monitor and checkfor hazards in front, to the side, and to your vehicle's rear. Use mirrors, checkblind spots, and make sure your path is clear to get back on the road so youcan safely continue on to your destination.

7.16 SPECIAL FREEWAY PROBLEMS:

Freeway driving carries it's on special problems, due mainly to the generalexpansive or wide conditions of our freeway system. Problems can occur dueto fatigue, lack of focus and the monotony of being on the road for a longtime.

Velocitation - Unconsciously Going Too Fast

Velocitation is when you don't consciously decide to go faster, but you findyour foot resting on the accelerator. Before you know it, you're 20 miles overthe speed limit. This happens both when you are alone and not alert, andwhen you are engaged in a stimulating conversation or listening to a good

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song. Here is how to counter velocitation.

Check and monitor speedometer, particularly when driving along longstretches of barren or sparsely populated areas. Without nearby referencepoints, like telephone poles, buildings, hill embankments, and forest edges,your perception of speed decreases.Allow time to readjust to slower speeds, when you find you've unknowinglyincreased your speed. Do not attempt to suddenly brake hard or create any

sudden moves vehicles to your rear have to contend withfor their safety andyour's.

Highway Hypnosis

Highway hypnosis can occur when there is a long stretch of straight road,usually in a rural area, where there just isn't enough to look at. Your braincan create the illusion that the vehicle is standing still and the surroundingsare moving. Sounds neat, right? Well, it is disconcerting and dangerous whiledriving on the road. People lose a feel for how fast they are going. Their onlygauge is the speedometer and they have a numb, disconnected sensation.

Here's what to do.

Avoid drowsinessNeedless to say, you want to be fully functioning as a driver. If you sense thebeginnings of highway hypnosis, do can do several things:

Break your mental routinethat was becoming numb and disconnected.Preferably find a safe place to pull over (a rest stop, a freeway junction,etc.) where you can refresh yourself by taking a quick walk for a fewminutes, perhaps stretching to stir up your blood flow.

Tips: Silly, though effective ways to change your mental routine is to beginsinging, talk to yourself, or verbally go over a mental list (made up or real) ofthings to do. The key thing is to stimulate and refocus your mind on theimportant task of driving.

7.17 TOLL BOOTHS - WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN APPROACHING:

You will encounter toll booths on variousCalifornia freeways where it is important toreduce speed and note how far ahead the booths

are located while you select an available (open)toll entrance.

Reduced Speed Limits

As you approach a tool booth area, adhere to posted speed limit signs forthat area, which are placed to help people decelerate to an eventualcontrolled movement as they wait in line to pay a toll.

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Distance Ahead

Look for informational signs that display distance ahead to toll booths.Knowing how far ahead allows you to make preparations to slow and positionyour car in the correct lane as you get closer.

Designated Lanes for Special Vehicles

For most vehicles, simply select an open lane that displays the kind of fundsincrement you have on hand (e.g. exact amount or if change is required),however make sure you do not change into a designated lane unless youoperate a special vehicle. Some examples include allowances for new hybridvehicles or specialized carrier vehicles. For general purposes, unless you knowyou have a special vehicle qualification (determined by an authorized sticker,decal, etc.), do not use designated lanes for those vehicles.

Tip: Have toll money ready ahead of time. If you know your route will includepassing a toll booth where you'll have to pay, it's smart to have availablefunds available within easy reach, perhaps in a small change cup or holder.

Part 3 (Continued) DEMANDS OFDRIVING ON AN OPEN HIGHWAY

This continuation of Section 7 deals with Open Highway driving demands thatencompass skills you use in city and freeway driving. Although similar to thepreceding areas, open highways feature unique potential hazards, users, andenvironmental conditions you will not usually encounter with slower driving

conditions in a city or faster (typically unhindered) traffic conditions offreeway driving.

7.18 AREAS OF POTENTIAL HAZARDS:

Open highways connect the majority of intricate city road networks withsmoothly engineered freeways. For this simple fact, due to the amount ofopen highways and their use by various vehicles, you need to understandpotential hazards you may encounter.

Unmarked Farm and Field Driveways

California is a prosperous state, providing vast amounts of land foragriculture, livestock, and supporting farm communities. Unmarked farm andfield driveways may be encountered just about anywhere you notice signs offields, pastures, irrigation systems, orchards, vineyards, and supportingstructures (farms, barns, etc.).

Of particular concern is during harvest seasons, sometimes when dry windsmay kick up and generate dust storms through an area where heavy farmvehicles operate. Exercise extreme caution when approaching these areasifblown dust limits visibility.

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Livestock Crossing Areas

Be aware of areas marked where livestock may cross an openhighway. Although not routine, livestock on occasion mustrelocate to adjacent land areas.

Rough Road Conditions

Take notice of yellow warning signs that alert drivers to rough roadconditions.

Unmarked Shoulders

Be alert for unmarked road shoulders, which may indicate uneven, rough, oreven soft (or no) shoulder road conditions.

Roadside Stands or Gas Stations

Be attentive to areas where drivers (exit to or exit from) and pedestrianscross and access roadside stands or gas stations.

7.19 OTHER USERS OF THE ROADWAY:

Trucks

Trucks are an inevitable part of roadway driving so it isimportant to know how to interact with them on the road. Otherdrivers need to take into consideration a truck's greater size,decreased ability to maneuver quickly and truckers' blind spots.In this section, we will refer to trucks, but passenger car driversshould apply these same cautions to RVs as well.

SpeedAlways be aware of a truck's speed and the increased amount of weightmoving on the road. By law, trucks operate within specific speed limits,typically less than smaller automobiles and motorcycles. The main thing toremember is truck speeds change slower due to their weight mass, so keep in

mind to give a truck ample space and time as it accelerates on to a highwayor signals and slows for a turn ahead.

PassingHere are some rules to follow when making a judgment to pass a truck:

Ensure passing lane is clear of obstructions and oncoming vehicles.Remember to signal and never linger along side a truck while passing. Bydoing so, you block the trucker's options for getting out of the way ofany upcoming obstacles.Drivers should minimize the problem of blind spots by always passing

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trucks on the left.When you pass a truck and want to get back into the lane the truck isdriving in, make sure you can see at least the truck's full windshield inyour rear view mirror before pulling in front of it again. This is a goodgauge to see whether you are giving the truck enough following space.

Slow-Moving Vehicles

Some vehicles are not designed to keep up with the speed of traffic. Look forthese vehicles and adjust your speed before you reach them.

Speed

Farm tractors, animal-drawn carts, and road maintenancevehicles usually travel 25 mph or less. Slow moving vehicleshave an orange triangle on the back.

Also, be aware large trucks and small, under powered cars lose

speed on long or steep hills and they take longer to get up tospeed when entering traffic.

Certain other types of slow moving motorized vehicles (such aswheelchairs, scooters and golf carts) may legally operate onpublic roads. Adjust your speed accordingly.

ClearanceEnsure you give a slower vehicle plenty of clearance when following. Whenaccessible, a slow moving vehicle is required by law to pull over at the firstavailable turnout if there are more than five cars behind it. Be careful of

unmarked shoulders; they may not provide sufficiently solid traction for yourvehicle to decelerate rapidly. Whenever you pull off the road to let someonepass or to stop at a roadside stand, remember signal, slow down and ifparking pull as far off the road as is reasonable.

Animals

Domestic and wild animals may sometimes cross a road forvarious reasons. Here's what to do.

UnexpectedAnimals may cross a highway at just about anytime, howeverthey tend to move about more freely at night.

During daylight hours, as you drive and continually scan forpotential hazards, stay alert for movement along a roadway asyou enter forested or wooded areas where animals mayattempt to cross. Keep an eye out for posted warning signsthat demarcate areas known to be crossing areas.

Night time driving carries particular dangers to animals, where bright

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headlights and a quickly approaching vehicle may often scare or freeze (as innot moving) an animal midway across a paved area. Telltale signs ahead mayinclude your view of still/moving objects on the road, the bright reflectedeyes of an animal as it stares into your oncoming headlights, or even largeantlers standing atop a large deer buck. Attempt to safely slow and avoid theanimal.

Methods to help "scare" an animal out of your path include a quick sound of

your horn and flashing your headlights. Remember, even if an animal ismostly to the other side of a road and they get scared by your approach, theymay run back the way they camecrossing your path again.

PassingBefore passing any ridden animal or animal-drawn vehicle, decrease yourspeed to discern whether it is all right to pass, in order to avoid frighteningthe animal. It's considered a traffic offense to scare animals or stampedelivestock alongside the road. People using animals in this way are entitled toshare the road with you. Likewise, be aware of farm tractors or roadmaintenance vehicles. They generally travel 25 MPH or less, so adjust your

speed as soon as you see them.

7.20 ENVIRONMENT:

Curves

Speed and brakingCurves in the highway can be tricky, where you need to slow,brake, and maintain a safe speed to clear a curve. Alwaysfollow posted warning signs. If signs are not available, assumeyou must slow down at least to get a feel for the turnorturns. Brake and slow as you approach a curve and cover.

Recreational vehicles and some trailers have a high center ofgravity, so turning corners and taking curves must be done atslower speeds to prevent swaying. Remember to slowdownbefore entering a curve.

HazardsWhile driving into the curve, cover your brake and keep an eye out for movingor stationary hazards that appear in your limited view ahead.

Hills

When driving in hills, think lower gears and lower speed to help save brakesfrom over heating and minimize engine overheating.

Shifting gearsSteep grades provide a hazard for brake failure if brakes are fully dependenton to slow a vehicle. You can diminish the need to brake by using your enginein a lower gear. Once you get back to a regular grade you can shift back tonormal.

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Visibility and speedTraveling at lower speeds will give you more control to see what's ahead (andtime to react) and less chance of brake overheating and failure.

Brake failure or overheatingDriving up or down hilly areas can cause brake failure or vehicle overheating.As stated above, using lower gears allow your engine to help provide somebraking action relieving the work put on your manually applied brakes. Engine

overheating can be lessened by turning off air conditioning, or if necessarypulling over for rest periods: A rest period for your vehicle!

Mountain Driving

Vehicle conditionMountain driving will tax your vehicle's engine, cooling, steering, and brakingsystems more than any other kind of driving environment. Ensure your vehicleis mechanically sound, with adequate brakes, and safety equipment (like tirechains) based on the time of year you drive in the mountains. For example,will your vehicle make it up the grade? Almost all grades, regardless of

severity, will cause you to slow down. Any grade steeper than six percent isconsidered extreme and requires special attention. The steeper the grade orthe longer the grade and/or the heavier the load, the more you will have touse lower gears to climb hills or mountains.

SpeedWhen going down steep hills, gravity will tend to speed you up. You mustselect an appropriate safe speed, and then use a low gear and enoughbraking power to hold you back without letting the brakes get too hot. Usethe braking effect of the engine (lower gears) as the principal way ofcontrolling your speed. Save your brakes so you will be able to slow or stop

as required by road and traffic conditions. Slow the vehicle and shift thetransmission to a low gear before starting down a grade.Remember: The use of brakes on a long and/or steep downgrade is only asupplement to the braking effect of the engine. Once the vehicle is in theproper low gear, the following is a proper braking technique:

1. Apply the brakes just hard enough to feel a definite slowdown.2. When your speed has been reduced to approximately five mph below

your "safe" speed, release the brakes. (This brake application should lastfor about three seconds.)

3. When your speed has increased to your "safe" speed, repeat steps 1 and2.

Do not drive in the fast lanes on a multiple-lane grade. Stay in the far rightlane while climbing a steep grade if your RV or trailer will not maintain thelegal speed limit. It is better to drop to a lower gear and slow down ratherthan pass slow trucks and tie up the faster lanes because you don't haveenough power.A special note on escape ramps: Escape ramps have been built on manysteep mountain grades, and are used to stop runaway vehicles safely withoutinjuring drivers and passengers. Escape ramps use a long bed of loose, soft

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material (pea gravel or sand) to slow a runaway vehicle, sometimes incombination with an upgrade.Know where escape ramps are located on your route. Signs show driverswhere ramps are located.Allowing for other vehicles to passWhen climbing upward on a mountainous road, the rule of thumb is to allowfaster moving vehicles to pass on the left. Typically slow vehicleslikeheavily laden trucksmay crawl upward in the far right lane. Other faster

moving vehicles will take up remaining left lanes. Be honest with yourvehicle's capability and condition, including posted speed limits.

When going down hill, heavy trucks will tend to pick up speed, making theright hand lane a very fast lane. Againas with every road environment whenpassing or being passedgauge your speed, road conditions, the vehiclesaround you to decide what lane you use, allowing for other vehicles to passas needed.

Passing slower vehiclesAs stated above, either when going up a mountain or going down, proceed

and pass with cautionbased on your speed (and vehicle capability), speedlimit, road conditions, the vehicles around you.

Special Problems in High Altitudes

Unless a vehicle is modified for high altitude areas, overheating and vaporlock can occur within the best maintained vehicles.

OverheatingOverheating occurs when an engine looses its ability to dissipate (or cool off)the heat it internally generates, especially under extreme conditions like

climbing numerous hills and steep graded roads. This cooling off work isperformed by liquid coolant, typically a water based antifreeze. At normalaltitudes, turning off accessory systems like air conditioners, can usuallylessen the load on an engine, allowing an engine to normally cool andprevent overheating conditions.

At high altitudes, a vehicle's liquid coolant heatseven boilsat lowertemperatures. Some quick physics facts, just so you see the point:

At sea level, the boiling point of water is about 212 F or 100 CAt 2,500 feet above sea level, the boiling point of water is about 207 F or97.5 CAt 5,000 feet above sea level, the boiling point of water is about 203 F or95 C

The most important things to remember are:

Turn off all unnecessary accessory systems.Monitor engine temperature indicator. If temperature climbs todangerous levels, find a place to pull over and leave the vehicle running.Keep your senses open to visual indications (like steam) or unusual

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smells (possibly as coolant escapes within the engine compartment,evaporating as it hits parts of your engine). At any visual or odor signthat seems out of the ordinary, pull over and determine cause. Allowvehicle to cool if necessary.

Vapor lockAt high altitudes, vapor lock can also occur when fuel lines overheat turningto liquid fuel to a gas. Allowing time to cool may remedy this situation.

7.21 MEETING OR APPROACHING OTHER VEHICLES ON OPEN ROADWAYS:

Open highways are usually not as congested as freeways, however whenmeeting or approaching vehicles, you must factor in more conditionsfromquantity of cars in a line, less lanes to use for passing, hilltop terrain,darkness, and slow-moving vehicles. Note, for all approaching (or oncomingtraffic) situations, stay in your lane and do not attempt to pass unless thereare lanes to do so.

Meeting Lines of Cars

Lines of cars form typically behind a slower moving vehicle when the othervehicles cannot pass, either due to lane regulations, hilly/curvy roadconditions, or busy oncoming traffic. In meeting lines of vehicles, get in lineobserving following distance rules and passing laws.

In extreme situation #1 Where someone in a vehicle line behind you over estimates their ability topass ahead of you (usually having already dangerously passed a few cars)and they try to cut back into your lane, attempt to let them safely back in thelane. It's not worth it, proving a point of who's right and wrong, when a loss

of life is at stake.

In extreme situation #2 The other side of the coin is if you are driving and an oncoming vehicle isattempting to pass a car line and there is danger of your vehicles colliding,you must prepare to make an evasive move if necessary. Worst case, try toslow and steer out of their path so you prevent a head on collision.

Meeting at Hilltops

In meeting a vehicle on a hilltop, observe lane markings and pass only if

visibility conditions allow. The best tactic is to simply and safely crest overthe hill top and then reevaluate your needs once a clearer view is availableon the other side.

Meeting at Night

In meeting a vehicle at night, ensure your lights are at the low beam setting.Observe lane markings and pass only if conditions allow. Some generalguidelines: Drive slower at night because you cannot see as far ahead andyou have less time to stop for a hazard. Make sure you can stop within thedistance lighted by your headlights.

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Use your low beam headlights at night when it rains. Don't drive with onlyyour parking lights on.

Use your high beams whenever possible as long as it is not illegal (i.e., inopen country or on dark city streets). Do not blind other drivers with your highbeam headlights. Dim your lights when necessary. If another driver does notdim his/her lights:

Don't look directly into oncoming headlights.Look toward the right edge of your lane.Watch the oncoming car out of the corner of your eye.Do not try to "get back" at the other driver by keeping your bright l ightson. If you do, both of you may be blinded.

Meeting Slow-Moving VehiclesAs stated above, ensure you give a slower vehicle plenty of clearance whenfollowing. When accessible, a slow moving vehicle is required by law to pullover at the first available turnout if there are more than five cars behind it .Be careful of unmarked shoulders; they may not provide sufficiently solid

traction for your vehicle to decelerate rapidly.

7.22 ROAD CONDITIONS:

As implied throughout this section on open highways, you will encountervarious road conditions, from road variations to changes around the road thatmay limit you field of view and line of site. As you drive, look for and followposted warning signs that mark known conditions.

Rough Roads

Rough roads will challenge your vehicle steering, suspensionsystem and tires. Watch for posted warning signs, lower yourvehicle speed and stay alert for areas (Potholes, gravel, wet orslippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings, andgrooved pavement) you need to avoid.

Traction

Traction is determined by how well your tires grip the road. On openhighways, traction will vary based on road quality, road age, weatherconditions, and loose debris. Stay alert for these factors, for instance when itrains. Traction lessens as tires deal with asphalt oils (recall that oil is lighterthan water, so if a road gets wet the water will seep in and the oil will rise).As a general rule, lower your speed and stay alert!

Width of Road

Although most highways have fairly standard widths,

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there are areas where roads can narrow and evendecrease down to one lane in wooded, rural,mountainous, and bridge crossing locations. Lower yourspeed, steer carefully, and be willing to pull over forvehicles in back of you or oncoming if the situation androad sharing laws warrant.

Field of View

Open highways tend to follow the best course over an area of terrain,whether the terrain is flat, hilly, wooded, rocky, and even prone to flood andearthquakes. Judge your ability to drive smoothly and safely by continuallyscanning your field of view. If road conditions do not allow a full 360 degreeviewespecially in the frontthen your field of view is impaired and you needlower your speed and stay doubly alert for vehicles coming out from hiddenside roads, animals crossing the road, and even fallen objects (rocks, trees,branches, etc) that may fall in your direction path.

Line of Sight

As with field of view, your ability to see ahead is also effected by objects,mountain sides, hill tops, and other obstructions that can block your line ofsite. If you can see clearly ahead for whatever given driving condition you'rein, that's great. If your line of site is limited, lower your speed, cover yourbrake, and be prepared to react immediately since you have less time toperceive a hazard.

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