Freeway DrivingMile for mile, freeways — also called thruways, parkways,expressways, turnpikes, or superhighways — are thesafest of all roads. But they have their own special rules.The most important advice on freeway driving is: Keepup with traffic and keep to the right. Drive at thesame speed most of the other drivers are driving.Too-fast or too-slow driving breaks a smooth traffic flow.Treat the left lane on a freeway as a passing lane.At the entrance, there is usually a ramp that leads tothe freeway. If you have a clear view of the freeway asyou drive along the entrance ramp, you should beginto check traffic. Try to determine where you expectto blend with the flow. Try to merge into the gap at closeto the prevailing speed. Switch on your turn signal,check your mirrors, and glance over your shoulder asoften as necessary. Try to blend smoothly with thetraffic flow.Once you are on the freeway, adjust your speed to theposted limit or to the prevailing rate if it is slower.Stay in the right lane unless you want to pass.Before changing lanes, check your mirrors. Then useyour turn signal.Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly over yourshoulder to make sure there is not another vehicle inyour blind spot.4-22
