Stage 2 Course Content 17 — Driving on Expressways

• Vehicles not permitted to proceed
• Speed and distance between vehicles
• Lane divisions, etc.
• Prohibited actions
• Measures to take when broken down, etc.
• Hints on using expressways
• Making a traveling plan
• Entering a main through lane
• Traveling on a main through lane
• Turning off a main through lane

1. Vehicles Not Permitted to Proceed

1. Definition of an Expressway

National expressways and motorways are collectively referred to as expressways. The expressways are separated from general roads for the sake of high-speed traveling of automobiles. They are designed for automobiles to travel safely and comfortably at high speed, such as by restricting the entrance and exits, building two-level crossings, dividing lanes in different directions by center strips, and building gentle curves.

• National expressways ·········· Roads built for the high-speed passage of automobiles. They serve as key components for national traffic network, connecting especially important regions in terms of politics, economy, and culture.
• Motorways ·········· Roads for automobiles only. They are built for smooth traffic in urban areas and their vicinities.

(Indicates a national expressway or a motorway — Automobiles only)

2. Vehicles Not Permitted to Proceed

1. Minicars, light two-wheeled vehicles, and general motorized bicycles are not allowed to proceed on either national expressways or motorways.
2. Automobiles that cannot travel at speeds of 50 km/h or greater due to structural limitations, such as vehicles used for agricultural work, and automobiles that cannot travel at speeds of 50 km/h or greater because they are towing another vehicle may not proceed on national expressways. (In the case where an automobile with a structure and device for towing is towing a vehicle with a structure and device to be towed, the automobile may proceed on expressways.)

Vehicles not permitted to proceed on national expressways or motorways

2. Speed and Distance between Vehicles

1. Observing the Maximum Speed Limit and Minimum Speed Limit

1. In places where the maximum or minimum speed limit is designated by traffic signs or pavement markings, automobiles must not exceed that maximum speed limit or drive under the minimum speed limit.
2. In the main through lanes of national expressways where the maximum or minimum speed limit is not designated by traffic signs or pavement markings, automobiles must not exceed the maximum speed limit or drive under the minimum speed limit listed in the table below.
3. The maximum and minimum speed limits on motorways where there are no speed designations by traffic signs or pavement markings are the same as those for general roads. The following table does not apply to those roads.

Reference — "Main through lane"

A main through lane refers to areas of expressways usually used for traveling at high speed (traveling lanes and overtaking lanes). Acceleration lanes, deceleration lanes, climbing lanes, side strips, and shoulders are not included.

The maximum and minimum speed limits for national expressways (main through lanes)

※ In zones where main through lanes are not divided according to their direction due to the road structure, the speed limits are the same as those for general roads. The above table does not apply to such zones.

※ An automobile towing another vehicle is allowed to travel on national expressways only if it has a towing structure and device and tows a vehicle that has a structure and device for being towed.

※ If according to the stipulation of laws and regulations or when unavoidable to prevent danger, a vehicle may travel at a speed under the minimum speed limit.

※ The maximum speed limits of the acceleration lane and deceleration lane adjacent to a main through lane are the same as that of the main through lane.

2. Checking the Speedometer

While traveling on expressways, drivers are likely to feel that they are traveling slower than they actually are, due to that there are no obstacles in the near distance on the road, that you can have a wide visibility, and that the landscape does not change so much. Also, while traveling at high speed for a long time or during the night, a driver is likely to lose his/her sense of speed and exceed the speed limit. You should check the speedometer occasionally while traveling.

Attention — Be careful about speed on downward slopes

On downward slopes, a vehicle speeds before you know it. Drive while paying attention to the distance from the vehicle ahead.

3. Maintaining a Safe Distance between Vehicles

On expressways, the number of collision accidents caused by not ensuring a safe distance between vehicles is not a few. When traveling on an expressway, travel while keeping a sufficient distance between vehicles.

As a rough guide, at least the distance obtained by reading "km/h" of the current traveling speed as "meters" is required as a safe distance between vehicles when the road surface is dry and the tires are new (80 m when traveling at 80 km/h and 100 m when traveling at 100 km/h).

When the road is wet with rain or the tires are worn, the distance required between vehicles may be approximately twice as long.

Reference — Guides for estimating the distance between vehicles by eye

Measuring the distance between vehicles using installed objects

1. Check the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead using a section to check the distance between vehicles set on the expressway.
2. You can also measure the distance between vehicles using a broken line or delineator. It is recommended to remember that a white section of a broken line is 8 m and a space between white sections is 12 m, so the length of a white section and an adjacent space totals approximately 20 m.

Measuring the distance between vehicles using time

If your vehicle reaches a certain point (a traffic sign, etc.) in approximately 4 seconds or more after the vehicle ahead has passed that point, you can keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.

3. Lane Divisions, etc.

1. Lane Divisions

As a general rule, lane divisions for main through lanes are the same as those for general roads with vehicular lanes. (Refer to p. 49)

While traveling, use the white line on your left as a guide and proceed in a position slightly closer to the left side in a vehicular lane. If you do so, a safe distance can be maintained when the vehicle behind overtakes you, which helps to prevent minor collisions.

2. Lane Division for Towing Automobiles (Vehicles Towing a Trailer)

When a towing automobile is towing a vehicle having a gross weight exceeding 750 kg must proceed in the following vehicular lanes.

1. On motorways with vehicular lanes (limited to the zone designated by traffic signs or pavement markings), the leftmost vehicular lane within the main through lanes.
2. On main through lanes of national expressways, the leftmost vehicular lane (however, if lane divisions are designated by a traffic sign or pavement marking, follow the designation).
3. In zones where lane divisions for large trucks, etc. are designated by a traffic sign or pavement marking, large trucks, specified medium-sized trucks, and heavy special equipment must proceed while following the designated lane divisions.

Attention — Exceptions to the lane division for towing automobiles on national expressways

In the following cases, a vehicle is allowed to proceed in vehicular lanes other than the leftmost one.

• When a traffic sign or pavement marking designates other lanes to proceed for towing automobiles
• When overtaking an automobile traveling at a speed under the minimum speed limit
• When proceeding in a vehicular lane where changing course is prohibited
• When giving way to emergency vehicles
• When unavoidable due to roadwork, an accident, etc.

3. Prohibition against Proceeding on a Side Strip or Shoulder

Do not proceed on side strips or shoulders on expressways, except for the cases where you have to proceed on side strips or shoulders to the extent necessary to stop or park due to breakdown, etc.

4. Using Climbing Lanes

On a road with a climbing lane, slow vehicles such as trucks loaded with cargo should use a climbing lane.

Attention — Proceeding on a climbing lane

Since climbing lanes are not included in main through lanes, vehicles may proceed at speed under the minimum speed limit. However, parking or stopping a vehicle in a climbing lane or overtaking another vehicle using a climbing lane is prohibited.

4. Prohibited Actions

1. Prohibition against Riding Double on a Two-Wheeled Vehicle

On expressways, riding double is not allowed if any of the following conditions is met (excluding motorcycles with sidecars).

1. A person who is under 20 years of age.
2. A person who has held a large motorcycle license for a period of less than 3 years. (Excludes a person who has held a regular motorcycle license for 3 years or more.)
3. A person who has held a regular motorcycle license for a period of less than 3 years.
4. When the zone is restricted by a traffic sign prohibiting riding double.

(When a driver is under 20 years of age or has a driving experience of less than 3 years, the driver may not enter an expressway while riding double.)

2. Prohibition against Making U-Turns, Reversing, or Cutting Across the Road

In main through lanes, vehicles must not make a U-turn, reverse, or cross the center strip.

Attention — When you passed the intended interchange

Even if you have missed the interchange, you must not make a sudden stop or U-turn or reverse. Instead, you should proceed to the next interchange. Stopping suddenly, making a U-turn, or reversing is very dangerous and may cause a traffic accident.

3. Prohibition against Obstructing the Passage of Emergency Vehicles

When an emergency vehicle is entering or leaving a main through lane, you must not obstruct its passage.

4. Prohibition against Parking and Stopping

On expressways, you must not park or stop the vehicle except for the cases listed below.

1. When coming to a stop to avoid danger, etc.
2. When it is unavoidable to park or stop the vehicle due to breakdown, etc. on a shoulder or side strip that is wide enough.
3. When you park or stop the vehicle in a parking or service area.
4. When you stop to pay a toll.

Reference — Parking or stopping at a stop for route buses is prohibited

Vehicles other than route buses are not allowed to park or stop at bus stops on expressways. This rule also applies to the hours outside the operation hours of the buses. Since stopping or parking at a bus stop may induce an accident or obstruct safe passage of route buses, do not stop or park the vehicle there for the reasons such as waiting for someone or taking a rest.

5. Measures to Take When Broken Down, etc.

1. Using a Side Strip or Shoulder

If it is unavoidable to park or stop due to breakdown, running out of fuel, traffic accident, etc., you must park or stop the vehicle in a side strip or shoulder that is wide enough so that parking or stopping there does not obstruct the passage of other vehicles. If the side strip or shoulder is not wide enough, move the vehicle to the place with enough width, such as emergency parking zones.

2. Indication of a Broken-Down Vehicle

When a vehicle becomes unable to continue driving on an expressway due to breakdown, running out of fuel, traffic accident, etc., the driver must indicate that his/her vehicle is stopped using the following methods, so that drivers of following vehicles can notice the stopped vehicle and accidents can be avoided.

1. During the day, you must place an emergency warning reflector device on the road behind the automobile (or, if you have difficulty walking and cannot place it, you may display an emergency warning light in a place visible from the rear, such as on the road beside the automobile).
2. During the night (and when the visibility is 200 m or less during the day), you must turn on the hazard lights, parking lights, or taillights in addition to placing an emergency warning reflector device.

3. Cautions When Indicating

When placing an emergency warning reflector device, watch out carefully for following vehicles, such as by giving a signal with a smoke flare.

Also, when placing an emergency warning reflector board under strong wind, take necessary measures to prevent it from falling over, such as by putting a weight on it. Especially, if you try to reinforce the board by attaching it to the rear of the vehicle, it is important to attach it firmly.

When leaving the site after finishing repairs, etc., make sure to take the emergency warning reflector device with you.

(For how to use a smoke flare, refer to p. 68)

4. Removing the Vehicle and Using an Emergency Telephone

1. When a vehicle becomes unable to continue driving due to breakdown, running out of fuel, traffic accident, etc., the driver must move his/her vehicle to a safe place immediately, by calling a wrecker using a nearby emergency telephone, etc., as well as calling 110 to inform the police. If possible, move the vehicle to the side strip or shoulder by using the starting motor with the gear either in low or second (This method cannot be applied to automatic transmission vehicles and vehicles with the device that does not allow the engine to start unless the clutch pedal is depressed). (Refer to p. 69)
2. As it is dangerous to be on an expressway, if cargo has fallen or scattered on the road and you have to take necessary measures for removing it, etc., use the emergency telephone to ask for the removal of the cargo, etc., as well as calling 110 to inform the police.
3. In the case of a two-wheeled vehicle, move your vehicle immediately to the side strip or shoulder, watching out carefully for following vehicles.

Reference — Using an emergency telephone

Emergency telephones are usually installed at intervals of approximately 1 km. (The intervals may be shorter in tunnels, etc.) Once you pick up the receiver, you will be put through to the expressway traffic control room. Report the following information clearly without rushing.

1. The telephone booth number (the number of the emergency telephone)
2. Whether it is a "traffic accident" or "breakdown" (and what cargo the vehicle is carrying, if there is any)
3. Where the vehicle is stopped (in a side strip or main through lane)
4. The scale of the accident such as the numbers of casualties and damaged vehicles involved, the condition and severity of injuries, the condition of damages, the condition on the road, etc.
5. In the case of breakdown, breakdown condition, model year and type of the vehicle, etc.

5. Evacuation

On an expressway, it is hazardous to stay in a vehicle that cannot move, since there is a high risk of a vehicle following at a high speed colliding into it and causing a traffic accident. After having taken necessary measures, evacuate to a safe place such as outside of a guard rail, instead of staying inside the vehicle.

Attention — Points to note when evacuating

• If you carry a passenger, evacuate the passenger first, and then use a smoke flare or place an emergency warning reflector device.
• Evacuate to an area behind the vehicle and wait. If you wait in an area ahead of the vehicle, should a following vehicle collide into the parked or stopped vehicle, you may be hit by flying debris.

6. Hints on Using Expressways

An expressway is a road designed for automobiles to travel at high speed safely and comfortably. However, the sense of traveling on an expressway is very different from that on a general road, and therefore a small mistake made by a driver may lead to an unexpectedly major accident. It is important to acquire the knowledge necessary for traveling at high speed and make thorough preparation, such as checking the vehicle reliably, before traveling on an expressway.

1. Checking the Vehicle

Before getting on an expressway, you must check your vehicle, especially for the following points, to avoid stopping on an expressway due to a shortage of fuel, coolant, or engine oil.

1. Is there a sufficient amount of fuel?
2. Is the coolant level within the regulated range?
3. Is the radiator cap fastened securely?
4. Is the engine oil level appropriate?
5. Is the fan belt tension appropriate? Is there any damage to it?
6. Is the tire air pressure appropriate? (When traveling at high speeds, make the tire pressure slightly higher)
7. Is the tire tread depth sufficient? Is the tire damaged?

Reference — Major breakdowns on expressways and their causes

Breakdown	Cause
Out of fuel	Since there are only a few gas stations on expressways, you should check the remaining fuel amount and fill your vehicle up with fuel in advance.
Overheating	The amount of coolant is low, a radiator hose is damaged, the fan belt is broken, or the amount of engine oil is low.
Flat tire	The tire has been worn or damaged, the air pressure in the tire is low (standing wave effect), or the vehicle is overloaded.

※ If an automobile runs out of fuel, coolant, or engine oil while traveling on an expressway, you will be subject to penalty.

Standing wave effect

If a vehicle continues traveling at high speed with low air pressure in the tire, a wave formed at the back part of the tire. This is referred to as "standing wave effect". If this effect occurs, there is a danger that the tire overheats and the surface of the tire peels off, leading to the tire bursting. Since the lower the air pressure in the tire, the higher the risk of occurrence, increasing the air pressure in the tires (by about 20%) can be an effective measure against the standing wave effect, to some extent.

2. Checking the Cargo

While traveling at high speed, the risk that the cargo falls off and scatters around is higher. Therefore, you must check your cargo and, if necessary, take measures such as fastening the rope again, reload the cargo, etc. before getting on an expressway.

Attention — If a cargo scatters around on an expressway...

A cargo fallen off from a vehicle is hazardous and can cause a serious accident. Further, if a cargo scatters around on an expressway, the expressway may be closed to collect it.

Reference — Highway hypnosis

While driving on an expressway, the driving operation may be monotonous because vehicle travels in the same direction at a constant speed, and less exciting because similar landscape continues. Due to such monotonous driving, a driver may fall in a state like being hypnotized. This phenomenon is referred to as "highway hypnosis", which often occurs on a long, straight road where traffic volume is low. If a driver under high-speed hypnotic effect continues driving, he/she may cause a serious accident due to impaired judgment or attention. Therefore, if drowsiness is felt, take a rest at the nearest service area, etc.

3. Preparing an Emergency Warning Reflector Device

In the event that your vehicle stops due to a breakdown, etc. on an expressway, you must place an emergency warning reflector device to indicate that your vehicle is stopped. Therefore, prepare an emergency warning reflector device in advance.

Also, use an emergency warning reflector device with TS mark as much as possible.

Reference — Basic criteria for emergency warning reflector devices

① Emergency warning reflector board

• It must have a triangular reflection or fluorescent reflection member
• Its fluorescence must be easily recognizable from 200 m away during the day
• When illuminated by headlights from 200 m away at night, its reflected light must be easily recognizable from the position of the headlights
• The color of the reflected light must be red
• It must be able to stand vertically on the road

② Emergency warning light

• It must be a flashing type
• The lighting color must be purple
• When placed on the road, its light must be easily recognizable from 200 m away, whether it is day or night

7. Making a Traveling Plan

1. Making a Sound Driving Plan

Driving at high speed for a long time is risky. Make a driving plan with plenty of time to spend, based on the assumption that you will take a sufficient rest at least once every 2 hours of drive.

Reference — Highway hypnosis

While driving on an expressway, the driving operation may be monotonous because vehicle travels in the same direction at a constant speed, and less exciting because similar landscape continues. Due to such monotonous driving, a driver may fall in a state like being hypnotized. This phenomenon is referred to as "highway hypnosis", which often occurs on a long, straight road where traffic volume is low. If a driver under high-speed hypnotic effect continues driving, he/she may cause a serious accident due to impaired judgment or attention. Therefore, if drowsiness is felt, take a rest at the nearest service area, etc.

2. Physical Well-Being

Driving on an expressway requires a driver to read the information accurately, make appropriate decisions, and operate the vehicle accordingly while traveling at high speed. Since you may overlook information or make a wrong decision if your physical condition is poor due to a lack of sleep, illness, etc., driving on an expressway in such state is very dangerous. Make sure that you are in good shape.

3. Checking the Traffic Information

In the event of a traffic accident or bad weather, an expressway may be closed to traffic, by blocking interchanges. Therefore, before entering an expressway, check the conditions of the road and traffic, by listening to the radio or contacting the Japan Traffic Information Center, etc.

Reference

Highway radio — Highway radio broadcasts the latest information based on the expressway's traffic condition on a moment-to-moment basis, in intervals of 5 minutes on 1620 kHz that general car radios can tune to.

Expressway's traffic signboard — Electronic or other types of signboards are installed on main through lanes of expressways, at interchange exits, tollgates, tunnel entrances, inside the tunnels, junctions, and on general roads leading to an expressway, to provide road conditions, weather conditions, and other traffic information.

Interchange (IC) — Interchanges are the gateways connecting expressways and general roads. They may include tollbooths for issuing passage tickets and collecting tolls as well as ramps.

Junction (JCT) — Refers to an interchange that connects an expressway to another expressway.

Ramp — Refers to a road from an interchange to a main through lane.

8. Entering a Main Through Lane

1. Points to Note at an Interchange (Entrance)

1. Checking a traffic sign, etc.

Carefully check guidance signs on the general roads, which provide advance notices about the direction and distance to the entrance to the expressway. Enter an interchange after making sure that you are entering the intended interchange. Also, check the expressway's traffic information for whether the expressway is closed or not, or if there is any speed restriction.

2. Approaching the gate

• When you are approaching the gate, reduce speed while paying attention to other vehicles around you, and proceed to a booth (toll gate) with green lamp (or an exclusive gate for vehicles equipped with an ETC device). In doing so, you should decide which booth to enter early. Do not change course suddenly or make a sudden stop.
• Note that automobiles not equipped with an ETC device cannot proceed through an exclusive ETC lane.

3. Receiving a passage ticket and paying tolls

• At a booth (tollgate), always come to a stop and receive a passage ticket from the staff or passage ticket dispenser. (On some toll roads, you are required to pay the toll at the entrance.) Pay attention to stop at a position where you can receive a ticket or pay money easily. Do not go too far or pass.
• At booth, drivers are often distracted with receiving a ticket or paying money and release the brake pedal. Since many rear-end collision accidents have occurred due to such behavior, stay alert at the booth.

Reference — ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System)

Refers to a system for collecting tolls for toll roads automatically (Electronic Toll Collection System). As payments are made automatically using wireless communication, vehicles can pass through tollgates without stopping. Therefore, ETC has the advantage of alleviating congestion.

2. Points to Note When Entering a Main Through Lane

1. Checking the direction

After passing the gate, check guidance signs and enter the ramp without mistaking which direction to take. If you have entered a wrong ramp, proceed to the next interchange, and then get back. (Never attempt to reverse the vehicle, since it is very dangerous.)

2. Traveling on a ramp

A ramp is not a main through lane. Since most ramps are continuously curved or inclined, travel within the speed limit (The maximum speed limit is provided by traffic signs).

3. Entering a main through lane

If there is an acceleration lane that merges into a main through lane, you must accelerate sufficiently in the acceleration lane.

4. Prohibition against obstructing the passage of vehicles on a main through lane

When you are entering a main through lane, do not obstruct the passage of vehicles traveling on the main through lane as you enter.

How to use exclusive ETC lanes

1. Before entering an expressway, insert an ETC card into the ETC device and confirm that it operates successfully.
2. Check the guidance sign, etc. to proceed to an ETC lane.
3. Paying attention to the distance from the vehicle ahead, reduce speed to a sufficiently safe level (20 km/h or less) before entering the lane. ※ Note that there are some lanes that both the general vehicles (not equipped with an ETC device) and ETC vehicles can use.
4. When the gate antenna receives information from the ETC device on your vehicle, the gate bar opens. Proceed without stopping (At the exit, the amount of toll is displayed on the display panel). ※ If the sensor does not detect your vehicle or when you enter an ETC exclusive gate with a vehicle not equipped with ETC, do not reverse. Calm down and follow the instructions from the staff.

Where 2 main through lanes merge

Where a main through lane merges into another main through lane, if a pavement marking designates that the main through lane ahead has the right of way, you must not obstruct the progress of vehicles traveling on that main through lane.

9. Traveling on a Main Through Lane

1. Avoiding Sudden Braking

Applying brakes suddenly while traveling at high speed is very dangerous, because it may lead to a skidding or rear-end collision accident. When applying the brakes is unavoidable, use engine braking by shifting to a lower gear and apply the brakes over several times.

Remember that applying brakes suddenly on a two-wheeled vehicle is especially dangerous, as the vehicle may overturn easily.

2. Avoiding Sudden Steering

Sudden steering while traveling at high speed is very dangerous, as it may lead to losing stability and directional control of the vehicle, and cause an overturn accident. Check the road ahead carefully to ensure safety and detect information indicating hazards early to avoid sudden steering.

Attention — Operation of the steering wheel when traveling at high speed

In a curve where it is necessary to turn the steering wheel by 80 degrees while traveling at 50 km/h, 20 degrees, which is approximately a quarter, will do if you are traveling at 100 km/h. Even in the same kind of curve, if you operate the steering wheel in the same way as on a general road while traveling at high speed, the steering can be sudden and dangerous.

3. Cautions When Entering a Tunnel

If you enter a tunnel while traveling at high speed, your vision declines drastically. Therefore, you should reduce speed before the tunnel. Also, note the following.

1. To prevent causing a rear-end collision, keep a long distance between vehicles.
2. Even if the tunnel is equipped with lights, turn on the headlights. ※ Turning on the headlights can mean to indicate the presence of your vehicle to other vehicles.
3. If there are traffic lights or signboards, follow them.
4. If any information is broadcasted on the radio, listen to the radio.

4. Cautions When Traveling Near an Interchange, etc.

When traveling near acceleration lanes coming from interchanges, service areas, etc., pay attention to the vehicles coming from the acceleration lane into the main through lane. If you find a vehicle coming from the acceleration lane into the main through lane, reduce speed or, according to the situation, move to the overtaking lane in advance to give way.

Also, because there may be a vehicle that has entered the main through lane by mistake and has been proceeding in the wrong direction (wrong-way driver), or there may be a pedestrian, you should drive carefully, checking the information on the road information boards installed on the expressway, etc.

How to give way to a vehicle on the acceleration lane:

1. Check whether there is a vehicle proceeding on an acceleration lane or not, and if there is, estimate when it will enter the main through lane based on the distance from the main through lane and its speed.
2. When you are approaching the vehicle on an acceleration lane, adjust the speed with the accelerator depending on the movement of that vehicle and the situation of the vehicles behind.
3. Upon ensuring there are no vehicles on the overtaking lane, move to the overtaking lane depending on the circumstances to give way to the vehicle on the acceleration lane.

5. When You Are Tired

If you continue driving at high speed for a long time, you may get tired from being under tension continuously or may be drowsy suddenly because of monotonous environments of the road (highway hypnosis). If you feel tired or drowsiness, even if it is only slightly, take a rest at the nearest service area or parking area. Take a nap or do exercises to get rid of tiredness and relax.

Reference

Service area — Service areas are located at intervals of approximately 50 km. There may be a kiosk, gas station, repair facility, parking lot, cafeteria, etc.

Parking area — Parking areas are located at intervals of approximately 15 km. There may be a parking lot, kiosk, toilet, etc.

6. Cautions When Overtaking

Since overtaking on an expressway is very dangerous, avoid overtaking if it is unnecessary or unreasonable. When it is unavoidable to overtake another vehicle, note the following.

1. Check the movement of the vehicles on the overtaking lane behind you with the rearview mirrors and the space ahead of the vehicle that you intend to overtake. If you are sure that it is safe, turn on the right turn signal early.
2. Moving closer to the dividing line between the current lane and the overtaking lane, check the conditions of the road ahead and behind again. After checking the blind spots of the rearview mirrors by looking directly, gently enter the overtaking lane, and then turn off the signal.
3. Proceed along the lane, paying attention to the conditions of the road ahead and behind, and maintaining a safe passing clearance with the vehicle that you intend to overtake. Then, overtake the vehicle while being careful not to exceed the speed limit.
4. Turn on the left turn signal, and after ensuring that the whole body of the vehicle you have overtaken is reflected in the interior rearview mirror (or, in a rearview mirror in the case of a two-wheeled vehicle), gently return to the traveling lane and turn off the signal.

Reference — Example of distances required for overtaking

While traveling at high speed, you need a long distance to overtake a vehicle. For example, if you overtake a vehicle traveling at 90 km/h while you are traveling at 100 km/h, a distance of approximately 2,100 m is required. If the difference in speed between you and the vehicle ahead is small, or there is a possibility that overtaking that vehicle takes a long time, or that you may exceed the speed limit, do not attempt overtaking.

Difference in speed	Speed of vehicle ahead	Speed of own vehicle	Distance between vehicles	Distance required to overtake
10 km/h	90 km/h	100 km/h	100 m	2,100 m
20 km/h	80 km/h	100 km/h	80 m	850 m

7. Driving According to Weather, etc.

When the weather is bad, the driver must drive carefully according to the situation.

1. Driving in rain, etc.

When the weather is bad due to rain, snow, fog, etc., traveling at high speed is especially dangerous. When traveling at high speed in rain, the vehicle may skid or the tires may float, resulting in loss of control in steering and braking (hydroplaning effect). Slow down and travel at a safe speed. (Refer to p. 172)

On a snowy day, since the road surface is slippery and visibility is poor, avoid traveling at high speed. Interchanges may be closed in bad weather, so make sure to check the traffic information.

2. Driving in strong wind

In strong wind, since steering control is likely to be lost, you should reduce speed and drive carefully. You should drive especially carefully at an exit of a tunnel or open passage, as at such places, vehicles are often exposed to crosswind, causing steering control to be lost.

Reference — Streamers

"Streamers" are installed at places often exposed to strong wind, etc. You should know how to check the force of wind from a streamer. In general, it is said that being exposed to a side wind of 7 m/s while traveling at 100 km/h in a regular passenger vehicle is dangerous.

Angle of the streamer and wind strength:

• Nearly horizontal → Wind velocity: Approx. 7 m/s or greater
• At approximately 45 degrees → Wind velocity: Approx. 5 m/s or greater
• At approximately 30 degrees → Wind velocity: Approx. 3 m/s or greater

3. Driving at night

1. Except when passing oncoming vehicles and proceeding immediately after another vehicle, you should use high beam headlights so that you can find fallen objects or vehicles stopped due to traffic accidents, etc., as early as possible.
2. You may not be able to find an obstacle early enough, or you may see a vehicle parked or stopped in a shoulder as moving and cause a rear-end collision accident. Drive carefully.
3. Since your visibility is restricted to the range illuminated by the headlights, you are likely to lose your sense of speed and exceed the speed limit. Check the speedometer occasionally while driving.

10. Turning off a Main Through Lane

1. Checking the Exit by Guidance Signs

1. When you turn off the main through lane, pay attention to guidance signs that indicate the exit and direction for your destination.
2. As you approach an exit, you will see the traffic signs that indicate the exit number, national highway route number of a connecting road, etc. installed at 2 km, 1 km, and 500 m before the exit.
3. Making a U-turn or reversing on an expressway is not allowed. Therefore, if you overlook a guidance sign and fail to get off at the intended exit, you need to go to the next exit. Pay due attention to guidance signs.

2. Using a Deceleration Lane

When approaching the intended exit, you must travel along the vehicular lane leading to the exit. If there is a deceleration lane, proceed in that lane. Since your sense of speed may have been lost after traveling at high speed, reduce speed while checking the speedometer, instead of relying on your sense. Drive carefully to avoid sudden steering or sudden braking after entering the ramp.

Steps for using a deceleration lane:

1. Pay attention to the traffic sign indicating the exit.
2. Paying attention to following vehicles, turn on the left turn signal before changing lanes.
3. Enter the deceleration lane gently. Avoid moving into the deceleration lane suddenly. It is dangerous.
4. Reduce speed after entering the deceleration lane. (Reducing speed suddenly on a main through lane is dangerous.)
5. Reduce speed sufficiently, down to the speed limit.

3. Cautions When Traveling on a Ramp

Traveling on a ramp is dangerous, because it is continuously curved or inclined. Reduce speed sufficiently and drive within the regulated speed limit.

4. Cautions near Exit Gates

Since many drivers have lost their sense of speed or are distracted, rear-end collision accidents often occur near the gate. Reduce speed sufficiently, decide the lane to enter early, and avoid changing course without due cause.

5. Appropriate Speed on General Roads

When you have entered a general road after getting off an expressway, switch to the driving method appropriate on the general road immediately. The sense of traveling at high speed may remain in you for a while, so you are likely to speed, overlook traffic signals, or proceed through an intersection carelessly. Drive with due care.

Let's Try — Course Content 17 — Check your understanding with right/wrong questions.

(See page 275 for answers.)

1. The maximum speed limit for large passenger automobiles and that for large trucks on national expressways are the same.
2. Side strips and shoulders are parts of main through lanes of expressways.
3. When an automobile becomes unable to continue driving on an expressway due to breakdown, running out of fuel, etc., in addition to placing an emergency warning reflector device on the road behind the vehicle, the driver must turn on the hazard lights, parking lights, or taillights during the night and, if the visibility is 200 m or less, also during the day.
4. At a place where an acceleration lane merges into a main through lane on an expressway, it is advisable to accelerate sufficiently before entering the main through lane, considering a safe gap in the flow of traffic on the main through lane.
5. When you find an emergency vehicle coming close to you from an acceleration lane while traveling near an acceleration lane merging point on an expressway, it is advisable to move to the overtaking lane to give way to the emergency vehicle.
6. Minicars, regular motorcycles with a total engine displacement of 125 cc or less, and motorized bicycles may not proceed on expressways.
7. The minimum speed limit on national expressways where there is no speed designation by traffic signs, etc. are 50 km/h.
8. While traveling at high speed in rain, the vehicle may skid or the tires may float, resulting in loss of control in steering and braking. This is referred to as hydroplaning effect.
9. On expressways, trucks must travel on climbing lanes regardless of whether the cargo is loaded or not.
10. On national expressways, when turning off a main through lane and entering a deceleration lane, it is advisable to enter the deceleration lane after having reduced speed sufficiently by applying the brakes on the main through lane in advance.

(正: right, 誤: wrong)