Highways | Merging | Passing
Highways
Highways are roads that have faster speed limits, which allow motorists to commute to their destination more quickly than regular roads. Whenever you merge onto the highway it's important to match the speed of the vehicles already on the highway. This ensures that we don't interrupt the flow of traffic and is much safer for us than merging at a slower speed. Merging on the highway at too slow of a speed is extremely dangerous because you could get rear ended and cause lane conflicts and complications. Get your speed up while in the acceleration lane and merge onto the highway safely. Many of the highway interchanges in and around Halifax have long outdated designs which means the acceleration lanes are shorter than more modern interchanges. This is why it's super important that you are familiar with any interchange that you merge or exit the highway from.
Highway Driving Tips
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Stay in the right lane as much as possible.
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Maintain a safe following distance between yourself and other vehicles.
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Check your blind spots by shoulder checking when you change lanes.
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Don't hang out in another vehicle's blind spot.
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Always ensure that the left lane is flowing ahead of you slightly faster so that they can pass you safely.
Driving While Tired
In the Alberta oilfield the number one cause of injury and death is not working on the oil rigs, it's driving. It is so much of an issue that the government has built highway rest areas for workers to stop at, and take a quick nap or break from driving.
Alberta Highway Rest Areas
Highway Interchanges
When exiting a highway, keep your speed up until you're in the exit ramp and then come onto those brakes as much as you need to in order to slow down safely. Always approach ramps and curves at the recommended speed. When in doubt about what the safest speed is for a curve you should reduce your speed even more while approaching it. Never trust a curve. The yellow sign indicates the safest speed for that curve but it's not a speed limit. This recommended speed is calculated, by the highway's engineers so you can trust it.
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Cloverleaf Interchanges are the most common type in Nova Scotia and they're a very outdated design. As the name suggests they are shaped like a cloverleaf so the curves and ramps are sharper than more modern interchanges. For these interchanges you may need to brake a little on the highway to set yourself up with a safe speed for the exit ramp. That's okay.
Merging On The Highway
Shoulder Checks are essential for all drivers to learn, especially when driving on highways. They are the most important thing you'll do while driving. Match the speed of highway traffic so that you don't endanger yourself or others. Be confident. I guarantee you that other motorists will assist you in getting onto the highway when you merge confidently.
How To Merge On The Highway
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Make sure that the vehicle in front of you maintains speed and does not slow.
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Gradually build your up speed in the acceleration lane while glancing at your driver's side mirror
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Activate your turn signal early. This let's drivers already on the highway that you plan to merge and gives them a chance to make an adjustment.
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Check your mirrors and left blind spot by shoulder checking, this is absolutely critical.
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HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL IN ITS CURRENT POSITION WHEN SHOULDER CHECKING
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Then watch what other drivers are doing and adjust your to match their speed.
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Merge onto the highway as though you are trying join a team of people that are already skipping rope without breaking their flow.
How To Merge And Drive On The Highway
Passing
Things To Consider Before Passing Another Vehicle On The Highway
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Is there a passing lane coming up in the next few kilometres?
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Does my vehicle have the power to pass fairly quickly?
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Is someone behind me already passing too?
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Don’t accelerate into the vehicle you are passing.
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Do you have a clear line of sight?
Merging
Look closely at the below video. At first you would think that this is a reckless driver, but look closer. They begin to pass with a broken line then the broken line ends as we approach a curve. The driver is clearly not familiar with the area. These are the things that will get you on the highway, and sometimes these hazards are hard to see coming ahead of time. A good habit is to never pass at night on a single lane highway. It's also why being familiar with the area you're driving in is crucial.
Highway 103 Near Miss
Highway 104 near miss
Don't hang out in the left lane. The left lane is for vehicles who are to driving a bit faster or passing another vehicle. If you have to pass you can do so but then return to the lane right away once you've finished passing.
A Cop Explains Highway Flow And "Left Lane Losers"
What Does Rubbernecking Mean?
Rubbernecking - Rubbernecking happens when motorists are driving by the scene of an accident and they stare at it. This usually causes them to rear end the vehicle in front of them or it causes them to leave their lane which creates another accident. This is common and it's very dangerous. Slowing down to look at an accident on the side of the road is a major cause of traffic jams. Emergency vehicle lights are designed to get your attention. It’s okay to look around when you see them but remember, quick glances only then return your eyes to what’s in front of you.
The Move Over Law
The move over law states that when and emergency vehicle has its emergency lights on while on the side of the highway a driver must slow down to 60 km/hr and move over to the next lane (farthest from the emergency vehicle) if it is safe to do so. If you can’t change lanes just slow down .
The Move Over Law Explained 🚑 🚒 🚔
Halifax Cop Jumps Over Highway Median To Avoid A Speeding Truck
This crash happened in 2017 on Highway 102 at Exit 2. Halifax Regional Police were on a scene investigating a fatal crash when a pickup that was speeding in the left lane obliterated a police motorcycle. The officer jumped over the median to avoid getting hit.
RCMP Thanks Drivers For Moving Over
If you were on Hwy. 101 between Exit 2A and Exit 3 yesterday morning, S/Sgt. Parry with RCMP Traffic Services wants to give you a shout out for slowing down and moving over! Thank you for doing your part to help make our roads and highways safer.
When an emergency vehicle has its emergency lights on you have to yield to it
Emergency vehicles like ambulances, fire trucks and police vehicles using their flashing lights and sirens have the right of way. When one of these vehicles approaches you from ahead or behind with its blue or red lights flashing, move to the right side of the road and stop. Always yield to emergency vehicles when they're responding to an emergency with their lights or sirens activated. They're usually trying to get somewhere quickly to save someone's life.
Emergency are like deer. When you see one, you can usually expect to see more. And, if you keep one of your windows open slightly you will hear them coming much sooner. Yield to them when their lights and or sirens are on and give them as much space as possible.
Always Be Ready To Stop
When you're the last vehicle in a stopped line of traffic, always watch your rear view mirror to check for vehicles approaching quickly from behind. Leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you. If you get rear ended the extra space will allow your car to slide ahead instead of being pushed into the vehicle in front of you.
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How Are Highways Designed?
Removing paint markings
White lines along the centre of roads have been removed in parts of the UK, with some experts saying it encourages motorists to slow down. Drivers change their behaviour because they no longer feel that they have their own lane, so they tend to be more attentive. They also become more aware of vehicles around them.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35480736.amp