Leaving the freeway, fatigue and cruise control

Getting off a freeway safely, staying alert on long drives and knowing when cruise control helps or hurts are all part of highway driving. So is knowing what to do if someone comes at you in your lane.

Leaving a freeway:

Watch exit signs for which lane to use; check traffic and signal early
Don't slow down on the freeway — wait until you're fully in the deceleration lane
Then slow gradually and obey the posted exit ramp speed; many ramps curve sharply

Handbook p. 75 ↗

Know the rule

If you miss your exit, never back up, turn around or use a median crossover. Drive to the next exit, get back on and return. Median crossovers are only for emergency and MDOT vehicles.

Handbook p. 75 ↗

Know the rule

Fatigue is one of the greatest freeway dangers — the hum of wind, tires and engine can make you sleepy. Let someone else drive if needed, and don't rely on coffee or "stay awake" drugs.

Handbook p. 76 ↗

10 min / 2 hrs

If you feel tired, take at least a 10-minute break every two hours

Handbook p. 76 ↗

Know the rule

If you must drive, keep your eyes moving: check mirrors and look at objects near and far, left and right.

Handbook p. 76 ↗

Cruise control:

Best in rural areas with light traffic
Set it at or below the posted limit
Pressing the brake cancels it; accelerating does not
Not recommended in heavy traffic, near many ramps, or on rain, snow or ice
Most manufacturers advise against it when towing heavy loads

Handbook p. 76 ↗

If an oncoming vehicle is in your lane:

If there's time, tap the horn to warn the driver
Brake hard, but don't lock the wheels if you don't have anti-lock brakes
Look for an escape route to the right edge of the road
Don't go left — the other driver may return to their own lane
Stop in your lane only if there's room and you can't pull off
If you can't stop in time, steer around — but no more than needed

Handbook p. 76 ↗

Put it into practice

You're driving 90 minutes into a trip and start yawning. Take the next exit and rest for at least 10 minutes at a rest area — coffee isn't a substitute for a break.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

Regular drivers may use a freeway's emergency median crossover if they miss their exit.

True
False

Answer: False

Only authorized vehicles like law enforcement or maintenance vehicles may use the emergency crossover.

Handbook p. 75 ↗

You miss your freeway exit. What's the correct response?

Back up carefully to the exit
Use the median crossover to turn around
Continue to the next exit and come back
Stop on the shoulder and wait for a gap

Answer: Continue to the next exit and come back

If you miss your exit, never back up or use a median crossover — drive to the next exit and return.

Handbook p. 75 ↗

If you miss your freeway exit, you may legally use the median crossover to turn around.

True
False

Answer: False

You should never use a median crossover; instead continue to the next exit and come back.

Handbook p. 75 ↗

You feel tired on a long freeway trip. How often should you stop for a break of at least 10 minutes?

Every hour
Every two hours
Every three hours
Every four hours

Answer: Every two hours

If you feel tired, stop and take a 10-minute break at least every two hours.

Handbook p. 76 ↗

Which action cancels your cruise control setting?

Pressing the accelerator
Pressing the brake pedal
Turning on the wipers
Changing lanes

Answer: Pressing the brake pedal

Acceleration does not cancel the cruise control setting; depressing the brake pedal will.

Handbook p. 76 ↗

Leaving a freeway:

Cruise control:

If an oncoming vehicle is in your lane:

Check your understanding

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