A 3-minute lesson from the Oregon course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Freeways have several lanes each way and higher speeds, but controlled access, few sharp curves and no railroad crossings or signals usually make traffic flow more efficiently. Entering is the reverse of other roads: you speed up, not slow down.
Know the rule
Drive at a steady speed. Weaving through traffic raises collision risk and seldom saves time. Keep pace with traffic, but never exceed the posted speed to keep up. If slower than the flow, use the right lane.
Watch for traffic entering and adjust your speed for a smooth merge. If you see traffic slowing ahead, lightly tap your brake pedal several times to alert drivers behind you.
With vehicle trouble, move to the right shoulder or emergency stopping area and turn on hazard lights. If possible, stay in or near your vehicle on the side away from traffic — walking along a freeway is dangerous.
The ramp meter turns green and two cars are ahead of you in your lane. Only the first car goes. When your turn comes and the light turns green, accelerate on the ramp and merge, yielding to freeway traffic.
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.
When entering a freeway, you should:
Slow down and wait for a gap
Speed up and merge with freeway traffic
Stop at the end of the ramp and wait for a gap
Enter at any speed and adjust later
Answer: Speed up and merge with freeway traffic
Speed up on the ramp to merge smoothly with freeway traffic.