3.08.2010

On ramp/off ramp driving

Many on ramps and off ramps in California share the same lane. This creates a situation where a driver can get on and get off without changing lanes. No problem. The problem arises when drivers do not get up to speed. Drivers behind these slow movers are looking to get up to speed to make a safe lane change on to fast moving highway traffic. When they can not get up to speed, the potential for an unsafe lane change and creating an accident rises. Another sticky situation can arise when a car traveling at highway speed is looking to get on the off ramp only to possibly have to heavily brake to get in and behind the slow moving vehicle creating a possible collision from behind. If a vehicle has no intention to merge on to the freeway, it is still obligated to get up to ramp speed as to not create an unintended risky situation with surrounding cars, trucks, and motorcycles.