Why is Driving on an Expressway Different From Driving on an Ordinary Street?
(a) There’s more of a tendency to exceed the speed limit
(b) Trucks have to go slower on the expressways
(c) You must think faster and handle your vehicle more efficiently
(d) There’s more of a tendency to tailgate
The right answer is (c). You must think faster and handle your vehicle more efficiently because expressways have higher speeds, multiple lanes, and faster-moving traffic, requiring you to make quicker decisions and maneuver your vehicles more adeptly compared to ordinary streets.
Option (a) is incorrect because while it’s true that speeding is a common issue on expressways due to higher speeds, it’s not necessarily a defining characteristic that makes driving on an expressway different from driving on an ordinary street. Speeding can occur on any road, not just expressways.
Option (b) saying that trucks have to go slower on the expressways is not universally true. While some expressways may have lower speed limits for trucks or specific lanes designated for slower-moving vehicles, there’s not a fundamental difference between expressways and ordinary streets. Also, not all expressways have such restrictions on trucks.
Option (d) is incorrect because tailgating can occur on any road, not just expressways. However, while it may be more prevalent on expressways due to higher speeds and traffic density, it’s not a unique characteristic that distinguishes expressway driving from driving on ordinary streets.
Why is Driving on an Expressway Different From Driving on an Ordinary Street?
Here are the reasons why driving on an expressway is different from driving on an ordinary street:
1. You Must Think Faster
Driving on an expressway is different from driving on an ordinary street because on expressways, due to the higher speeds and fewer interruptions, you must think faster and handle your vehicle more efficiently.
Thinking faster and handling your vehicle more efficiently gives you more time to react if the car in front suddenly brakes. You need to make quicker decisions and maneuver your vehicles more efficiently compared to ordinary streets.
2. High Speed Limit
On expressways, the speed limits are usually higher compared to ordinary streets because expressways are designed for faster travel between cities or regions, and the infrastructure, such as wider lanes and smoother surfaces, supports higher speeds.
The increased speed means that drivers must react more quickly to changes in traffic conditions and maintain a greater distance from other vehicles to ensure safe stopping distances.
3. Expressways Have Controlled Access Points
Expressways have controlled access points, such as entrance and exit ramps, which are strategically spaced to regulate the flow of traffic and minimize congestion.
This design feature allows vehicles to enter and exit the expressway smoothly without disrupting the flow of traffic.
However, ordinary streets usually have intersections, traffic lights, and crosswalks, which require drivers to navigate through various points of entry and conflicts with pedestrians and other vehicles.
4. There are Divided Lanes on
Expressways usually have multiple lanes traveling in the same direction, separated by a median or barrier. This separation of traffic helps to reduce the risk of head-on collisions and provides drivers with clear lanes for overtaking slower vehicles or changing lanes.
On ordinary streets, lanes may not be divided, leading to side-swipe accidents or conflicts between vehicles traveling in opposite directions.
Furthermore, expressways may feature various driving environments, such as tunnels, bridges, and elevated sections, which present unique challenges for drivers.
For example, tunnels require drivers to adjust their speed and use headlights for visibility, while bridges may be prone to high winds or icy conditions, requiring extra caution.
Going through these different driving environments safely requires drivers to acclimate their driving behavior and remain aware of the dangers on the road.
5. Higher Volume of Traffic
Due to the function of the expressway as a major artery for transportation between cities or regions, expressways often experience heavier traffic volumes, especially during peak travel times.
The increased number of vehicles on the road requires drivers to remain attentive and patient, as well as to anticipate congestion and adjust their driving accordingly.
In contrast, ordinary streets may experience less consistent traffic flow, fluctuating depending on the time of day and specific location within a city or neighborhood.
6. Longer Distances Travel
Expressways are commonly used for longer-distance travel, requiring drivers to maintain focus and endurance for extended periods.
Drivers may need to plan for rest stops or breaks during long journeys to combat fatigue and ensure safe driving practices.
But in ordinary streets, it serves shorter-distance travel within a local area, with less emphasis on sustained concentration over long distances.
Conclusion
Driving on an expressway is different from driving on an ordinary street because you must think faster and handle your vehicle more efficiently.
Driving on an expressway demands heightened attention, adherence to traffic laws, and effective decision-making skills to ensure the safety of all road users amidst the faster speeds, controlled access points, and higher traffic volumes characteristic of these major transportation routes.
