Lanes of traffic on expressways that flow in opposing directions are divided by a:
a) Solid yellow line
b) Solid white line
c) Median
d) Broken white line
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is c) Median.
On expressways, lanes of traffic flowing in opposing directions are typically divided by a median. A median is a physical barrier or space that separates lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions. It could be a strip of land, a concrete wall, or a guardrail. The purpose of the median is to prevent head-on collisions by ensuring that vehicles traveling in opposite directions are separated, reducing the likelihood of accidents that could occur if vehicles inadvertently veer into the opposing lanes.
While lines like solid yellow lines and white lines do appear on roads, they serve different purposes. A solid yellow line typically indicates that passing is not allowed in that lane, while a solid white line indicates that lane changes are discouraged or not allowed, such as when transitioning between lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. A broken white line is used to separate lanes of traffic in the same direction, allowing drivers to change lanes when safe to do so.
The median, however, is a more substantial divider and is designed for safety. It acts as a physical barrier, preventing vehicles from crossing into oncoming traffic. In areas with high-speed traffic, such as expressways, the median provides a critical safety feature that helps reduce the risk of head-on collisions, especially in the event of a driver losing control or swerving.
The design of the median can vary depending on the location, but it is typically wide enough to prevent any vehicles from crossing into opposing lanes under normal driving conditions. It can also help manage traffic flow and control access points to reduce accidents.