A highway is a high-speed, multi-lane road. Traffic
going in each direction is separated and special ramps
allow vehicles to enter and exit. Vehicles travel
faster on a highway than on other roads, so it becomes
even more important to follow the rules as a mistake
can be disastrous. Though there are no bicycles or
pedestrians, drivers have to be careful when they
drive by villages or townships. |
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Entering a highway
There are two parts to a highway entrance: an entrance
ramp and an acceleration lane. Drivers raise their
speed to the average speed of traffic on the highway
before they merge with it.
As you go along the highway entrance ramp, look
ahead and check your mirrors and blind spots to
assess the traffic to see where you will move into
the nearest highway lane.
As you leave the
ramp and enter the acceleration lane, give indicator
signal and increase your speed to merge smoothly
with traffic. |
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Driving along a highway
SAFETY FIRST - Maintain speed limit. Drive the vehicle
at a steady speed, look forward and be alert. Anticipate
whats going to happen on the road ahead. Traffic
should keep to the left, use the right lane for
overtaking.
Keep checking the road ahead, to each side and behind.
Look ahead to where you will be in the next 15 to
20 seconds, have a glance at as far ahead as you
can see. Vehicles will take longer to stop at higher
speed so better anticipation is required.
Stay clear of large
vehicles. They block your view more than other vehicles
because of their size. Keep distance from other
vehicles. This will let you see clearly in every
direction and will give you time and space to react.
Do not cut off any
vehicle when changing a lane or joining the highway.
It is dangerous for a slower moving vehicle to cut
in front of a faster moving vehicle.
Use the right lane
to overtake slower traffic. Drive in the left-hand
lane leaving the other lanes clear for overtaking. |
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Leaving a highway
There are two parts to a highway exit: a lane for
slowing down and an exit ramp. There can be an intersection
with a stop sign, a yield sign or traffic light
after this.
When leaving the highway, signal that you want to
move into the slowing lane, but do not slow down.
Reduce your speed gradually when you get into the
slowing down lane to reach the speed shown for the
exit ramp.
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Recheck
the speedometer, you may still be fast because you
are used to high speed. Be prepared to stop at the
end of the exit ramp.
Highway exits are
put ahead far enough in advance for you to change
lane safely. If you miss an exit, do not stop or
reverse. Take the next exit. |
Tips for highway driving
Driving for a long time can be boring when you
drive at the same speed for long distances. You
can get relaxed when every vehicle seems to float
by smoothly. This has a negative affect on your
attention, and you pay less attention to what
is happening around you.
Help preventing sleepy situation by following
these simple rules:
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- Don't eat a heavy meal before driving.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Talk with your passengers, but not to get involved
in a discussion.
- Keep your eyes moving and check your mirrors
frequently.
- Be alert, look at all road signs and traffic
around you.
- Take a tea/coffee break every hour or so.
- Avoid driving during your normal sleeping hours.
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Do not try to overcome sleep.
If you do start
to become drowsy, do something different immediately.
Open a window; talk to passengers; sing out loud;
move your body around a bit. Have a break and take
a short walk or have a coffee and eat a light snack.
If you don't feel
any more alert, find a place to sleep for some time. |
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