Teen Driver Updates from Secretary of State Ruth Johnson

Teen Driver Updates from Secretary of State Ruth Johnson
US 23 traffic

Keep it safe on freeways

Freeways are our safest roads. Traffic flows in the same direction. There are no stops or intersections. Pedestrians, small motorcycles, mopeds, bicycles, all-terrain vehicles and slow-moving vehicles are not allowed on freeways.

Entering a freeway

An entrance ramp allows traffic to enter the freeway. Often, an exit ramp will be next to the entrance ramp. Look for "Do Not Enter" and "Wrong Way" signs and speed limit signs. The entrance ramp usually merges into an acceleration lane allowing you to increase your speed to match freeway traffic speed.

Signal and check for freeway traffic by using the vehicle's rearview and side-view mirrors and quick glances over your shoulder. Choose a safe space to enter and then merge into traffic. Traffic on the freeway has the right-of-way. Do not count on other drivers to let you in.

Driving on a freeway

Once you have entered onto a freeway, remember these keys to safe driving:

  • On a two-lane freeway, drive in the right lane except when passing, exiting to the left, allowing another vehicle to merge onto the freeway, when the lanes are fully occupied with heavily congested traffic, or when emergency vehicles or construction workers are on the shoulder.
  • On a freeway with three or more lanes of travel in the same direction, you may drive in any lane, however, if driving at or near the minimum speed limit, drivers should stay in the lane with the slower moving traffic. A commercial vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds, a truck tractor, or a combination vehicle with a trailer must stay in either of the two lanes farthest to the right, unless otherwise designated.
  • Merge signs are placed near freeway entrances to alert you to traffic entering the freeway. Always watch for vehicles merging onto the freeway. Adjusting your speed or moving safely into another lane will allow drivers to enter the freeway smoothly and safely.
  • Always watch for drivers who suddenly slow down when approaching an exit or swerve into the exit lane unexpectedly.

Leaving a freeway

Most freeway exits have a special deceleration lane to slow down in when exiting the freeway. Look ahead for exit ramp signs you want and the lane you must use. Check in front, behind and to the side for traffic. Signal your intention early and then move into the proper lane.

Avoid slowing down on the freeway when exiting. Wait until you are fully in the deceleration lane before reducing your speed, and then slow down gradually. Many ramps have sharp curves, so it is important to obey the posted exit ramp speed limit.

If you miss your exit ramp, never back up, turn around, or use a median crossover. Instead, drive to the next exit. Get back on the freeway and return to the exit you want. Never use the crossover lane in the median. It is only for emergency and Michigan Department of Transportation vehicles.

Ruth

When you drink alcohol or use other drugs and drive, you endanger your life as well as the lives of your passengers and other motorists. Don't do it. Michigan takes a strong stand against drivers who abuse substances and drive.

Ruth Johnson
Secretary of State


video contest

Create a teen driver safety video, win $15,000!

High school students are eligible to enter the TeenDrive365 Video Challenge for a chance to win $15,000 and the opportunity to work with a professional film crew to create a public service announcement (PSA).

Sponsored by Toyota, the contest invites students to create an original video between 60 and 90 seconds in length that "demonstrates the importance of safer teen driving." Entries must be submitted via YouTube by March 16, 2015.


teen driver

Teaching tip for parents

Most drivers tend to steer in the direction they look. If their eyes move to one side, the car may drift in that direction, too. Remind your teen to focus on a path line in the middle of their travel - and not fixate on lane lines or other objects. The rest of the area should be scanned quickly but frequently.

Information excerpted from the Parent's Supervised Driving Guide, a helpful resource for families with young drivers.


Neutralize a vehicle's stuck accelerator

If your accelerator ever malfunctions and the pedal remains stuck in the down position or if the cruise control will not shut off, stay calm, shift the vehicle's gears to neutral and brake firmly. The engine may race. At the same time, search for an escape path, steering smoothly and braking gently. Pull off the roadway and turn off the vehicle. Have it repaired at a service center before driving it again.