2013 Oregon Driver Manual - Oregon Department of Transportation

the freeway at a high speed may not have enough time to react to your
unexpected presence.
On Freeways
Speeds traveled on rural interstate freeways are higher than on other
roads. There are fewer stop-and-go situations. Try to keep pace with
traffi c on the road, but do not be lured into exceeding the posted speed to
stay with the fl ow of traffi c.
A slowpoke on a freeway can be as dangerous as a speeder. Remember, if
you drive at a speed below the fl ow of traffi c, you must use the right lane.
Freeways often have several lanes in each direction. On these roads, you
should leave the extreme left lane for faster traffi c. If you drive at an even
speed, you will have less need to change lanes. Remember, lane-hopping
any time is dangerous, annoys other drivers, increases the risk of collision,
and seldom saves time. Sudden bursts of speed also waste gasoline.
If you are traveling in the left lane and someone comes up behind you at a
faster speed, move one lane to your right. Do not tie up traffi c in the left lane.
There are times, especially in major cities, when freeways get jammed
by heavy traffi c or tie-ups caused by collisions during rush hour traffi c. Be
alert for any hint that traffi c on the freeway ahead is not moving at a normal
pace. If you spot a tie-up ahead that will cause you to slow down or stop,
lightly tap your brake pedal several times to alert drivers behind you.
Vehicle Trouble
If you have vehicle trouble on a freeway, move to the right shoulder or
emergency stopping area as soon as you can. Turn on your hazard lights
to warn other traffi c. If possible, it is better to stay in or near your vehicle
on the side away from traffi c. Walking along a freeway is dangerous. If
you stay with your vehicle, a police patrol will stop to help you when one
comes by if not on another call.
Leaving a Freeway
When you leave a freeway, signal your move well ahead of time.
Maintain your speed until you move into the exit lane. As you leave the
freeway and move onto the exit ramp, begin slowing to the slower speed
limit posted on the ramp. Most exit ramps require much slower speeds
than you have been driving on the freeway. Yellow speed signs posted at
exits warn drivers of the speed needed to safely leave a freeway.
Most freeway exits are numbered to help you quickly spot the exit you
want to take. Exit numbers correspond to the nearest milepoint along
the freeway. To reduce your chance of missing an exit, you should know
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