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## Interstate Highways 

Interstate highways are safer roads because they have separate traffic lanes for vehicles moving in opposite directions and fewer places where traffic can enter and exit. Also, interstates do not have railroad crossings, sharp curves, stop signs or traffic signals. 

For information about North Carolina’s toll roads, call the N.C. Quick Pass office at 1-877-769-7277 or visit www.myncquickpass.com . 

## When driving on an interstate, follow these rules: 

• Plan your trip in advance; 

• Be sure to check the vehicle’s water, oil, tires and gas before leaving on your trip; 

• Decide in advance where you must enter and exit the highway; 

• When entering the interstate, use the acceleration lane until your vehicle’s speed matches that of the other traffic and then merge safely; 

• Keep to the right, use the left lane(s) for passing; 

• Do not tailgate. Keep a safe following distance for the speed you are traveling — one of the most frequent types of crashes on an interstate highway is the rear– end crash — use the “two-second rule”; 

• Remember that faster speeds require greater stopping distances and times; 

• Stop at indicated rest areas frequently, preferably at least once every 100 miles; 

• Never stop in the travel lane; 

• If a vehicle breakdown forces you to stop, move far off the road. Tie a white cloth on the radio aerial or left-door handle and raise the hood. If the breakdown occurs at night, engage the vehicle’s emergency flashers or parking lights. If you are a driver who spots a vehicle breakdown, immediately contact the N.C. State Highway Patrol or local law enforcement; and 

• When leaving the highway, signal your turn well in advance, and without slowing down, enter the deceleration lane. Proceed at the posted exit speed limit. 

## Remember these tips when you drive: 

• As your speed increases, look farther ahead. 

• Give particular attention to hidden intersections and driveways. 

• Watch for warning signs that signal changes in the road. 

• Watch for other vehicles, especially oversized and slow-moving ones. 

• Maintain a safe following distance. 

• Use the vehicle's headlights when visibility becomes poor. 

• Be especially alert to oncoming vehicles because they are only a few feet away on some two-lane, undivided highways. 

• If you see a line of vehicles approaching, watch for drivers who might be trying to pass. 

• Always have a possible “escape route” to avoid colliding with an oncoming vehicle. 

• Keep aware of vehicles in the lanes next to you. 

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