Unit:
Seven
Topics: B4 Thru
B7
(Please Listen to Narration or read the Paragraphs below )
B4. Freeway, no acceleration lanes.
When entering a freeway without an acceleration lane, you must check for yield or merge signs before entering, and you may need to slow in order to give you sufficient time to judge the best place to merge. It may be necessary to stop in these instances in order to merge safely.
B5. Freeways, special controls and markings.
Timed entrance lights provide a gap between vehicles which reduces the likelihood of sudden stops and congestion. Some of these lights will only allow 1 car per lane to go at a time, others will allow 2 per lane.
Double merge lanes allow traffic on high volume on-ramps to create gaps which allow vehicles to merge safely and may also include lanes marked for carpools. Carpool lanes will not have a meter light.
B6. Carpool lanes .
Freeway carpool lanes: (a) are reserved for cars with two or more occupants, (b) are marked with signs and a diamond symbol in roadway, (c) at on-ramps are marked with the number of occupants required and times of day at which carpooling is required, (d) may require that once in a carpool lane you cannot cross over double lines to exit the carpool lane but must wait until you have a broken line, and (e) include lanes reserved for buses on freeways that are also marked with a diamond symbol.
B7. Freeway, anticipating exit.
When you plan to exit a freeway, you should scan well ahead of time for signs indicating which lane to use when exiting a freeway so as to avoid last minute, sudden lane changes. If you miss your exit, continue on to the next exit. Do not pull to the shoulder and attempt to back up or turn if you miss your exit. You should never attempt to back up on the freeway, this is extremely dangerous.
Know your freeway exit a give yourself plenty of time to get over. Signal your intention to exit for approximately 5 seconds.
Be sure you are at the proper speed for leaving traffic - not too slow or too fast (so that you won't lose control).
Cross merge lanes allow traffic entering and exiting the freeway to use the same lane. Be especially alert when using these types of ramps and give the merging traffic room to safely enter or exit.