Traveling on multiple lane highways and expressways is usually   faster than traveling on local roads but you need to concentrate fully in order to manage visibility, time and space.

What Special Factors Affect Driving on Multiple Lane Highways?

Driving on an expressway road is very different from driving on urban streets or rural roads. There are more than one lanes of traffic moving in the same direction as you loaded with cars, trucks, and other types of vehicles traveling at a high rate of speed. 

• Higher Speed Limits

Higher speeds mean that drivers must manage time and space with particular care when following and passing vehicles, changing lanes, and reducing speed. High speed collisions are far more damaging than those occurring at lower speeds. 

• Limited Entrances and Exists

Limited or controlled access highways allow vehicles to enter and exit only at specific places. Entrances and exit ramps on controlled access highways may be miles apart and most are made from the extreme right hand lane.  

Signs posted along the highway tell drivers when they are approaching an exit or interchange. Interchanges are points where you can enter or leave the expressway or connect with a highway going in another direction. 

Interchanges are made up of lanes, ramps, and speed change lanes. Ramps are short, one way roads connecting two highways with speeds ranging from 25 to 45 mph. Speed change lanes are short lanes next to the main travel lanes of a highway. A deceleration lane allows vehicles to reduce speed to exit, an acceleration lane lets vehicles increase speed to merge with traffic.

• Frequent Passing

Passing other vehicles and having other vehicles pass you is an integral part of driving on multiple lane highways. Depending on the roadway and on your lane position and speed, you may find yourself being passed on your left, on your right, or on both sides simultaneously. 

• Trucks and Other Large Vehicles

Trucks, tractor-trailers, buses, and other large vehicles add additional challenge to driving on multiple lane highways       because they hamper visibility. Large vehicles can buffet your car with wind gusts as they rumble past. Because of their larger size, you need more time to pass a larger vehicle than to pass a car. 

How can You Manage Visibility, Time, and Space on Multiple Lane Highways?

Safe and responsible driving on multiple lane highways and expressways require careful decision making on the part of the driver. You should focus on managing visibility, time, and space to reduce the risk of a collision or other mishap.

Guidelines for Managing Visibility on Highways 

Here are guidelines for managing visibility on multiple lane and limited access highways.

1. Scan 20 to 30 seconds ahead for vehicles, objects, animals, and even pedestrians on or near the roadways. 
2. Be alert for the dangers of entrances and exits. 
3. Check your rearview and side view mirrors frequently to monitor the position of traffic around you, especially before changing lanes or exiting a highway. 
4. Always signal your intention to change lanes, merge, or exit well in advance of the move. 
5. Drive with your low beams on at all times. Use your high beams on very dark highways, but only when there are no other vehicles around.
6. Check the taillights of vehicles ahead to know when other drivers are slowing down or planning to pass or change lanes. 
7. Position your car so that large vehicles do not block your view of the roadway ahead or to the sides.
8. Look for road signs to learn what the speed limit is and to know when your exit is approaching and which side it’s on. 

Guidelines for Managing time on Highways

Use these guidelines to help you manage time on highways.

1. Use the SIPDE process to help you identify threatening conditions within 12 to 15 seconds ahead.
2. Always adjust your speed and following distance so that you have at least 4 to 5 seconds to stop or steer evasively in case of an emergency.
3. When you merge into traffic try to enter the stream of vehicles at the speed they are traveling. 
4. When exiting an expressway, move over toward the exit lane as soon as you can. Wait until you’re actually in the exit lane before reducing your speed.
5.  Adjust your speed to avoid traveling in packs of cars. 
6. Watch for vehicles that may have trouble keeping up with the speed of traffic. Adjust your speed of position in advance. 
7. Plan your route ahead of time. Know which highways you’ll be traveling on and where to exit. 
8. Avoid driving on congested highways during peak traffic periods or in bad weather. Listen to the radio for roadway information before starting out. Allow extra time if you must drive.

Guidelines for Managing space on Highways

Follow these guidelines to manage space on multiple lane and limited access roadways. 

1. Adjust your car’s position for the speed that you and other drivers are traveling and for road and weather conditions. Allow yourself a margin of space to accelerate, brake, and steer. 
2. Allow yourself a gap of at least 4 seconds when merging with other traffic, changing lanes, or entering an expressway from an entrance lane. 
3. To Change lanes, turn the steering wheel gradually. Oversteering, or steering too sharply into another lane, can lead to loss of control at higher speeds.
4. If you must cross several lanes, move over one lane at a time, signaling each time.
5. Make room for cars entering expressways. If there are no vehicles in the lane next to you, move over a lane before you approach an entrance ramp.
6. If a vehicle is tailgating you, change lanes when it’s safe to let the vehicle pass. In the meantime, increase your following distance behind cars ahead.
7. Never cut in too soon in front of a vehicle you’re passing.
8. When passing a truck or other wide vehicle, keep in mind that you have less space to the side between your car and the vehicle than you do when passing a car. 
9. Be alert for places where highways may narrow as when approaching tunnels or bridges. Reduce your speed and proceed cautiously.