Merging (continued)
Correct and incorrect method for merging. Correct (safe) and incorrect (unsafe) method for exiting from a highway.
Exiting
Some tips on how to exit a major roadway or highway safely:
- Plan ahead. Be in the proper lane well before you reach your exit.
- Use your turn signal well in advance of the exit to alert other drivers.
- Move into the deceleration lane if there is one.
- If possible, do most of the slowing in the deceleration lane. Some deceleration lanes are short; you may need to start to reduce your speed while still on the highway.
- When you have exited, ensure your signal light is turned off.
- If you miss your exit, do not stop. Continue to the next exit and make plans to return to your route. Do not stop and reverse on a highway, emergency stopping lane, or shoulder.
Weave zones
On some roadway interchanges, there are places where the highway entrance and exit use the same lane. The entrance and exit can be close together. These areas require caution and cooperation because vehicles share the same lane to slow to exit the highway while other vehicles are using it to increase speed to enter the highway. The area that these vehicles share is called a weave zone.
In weave zones, control your speed and the timing of your lane change to merge with other traffic. This requires skillful use of time and space. Use caution in weave zones to ensure all vehicles can safely exit and enter the highway.