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 that are moving in opposite directions are typically separated by a median. A median is a physical barrier or a space that divides the roadway into two sections, preventing traffic from crossing into oncoming lanes. Medians can be made of various materials, such as concrete barriers, grass, or even just a wide gap of unpaved land. Their primary purpose is safety; they help prevent head-on collisions and provide a clear boundary between traffic traveling in opposite directions.
While road markings like solid yellow or white lines are also used on expressways to indicate lane divisions or the need for caution, they are not designed to separate opposing traffic. For instance, a solid yellow line is used on two-lane roads to indicate no passing zones, and solid white lines often mark the boundaries between lanes traveling in the same direction, but neither of these is sufficient to physically divide traffic traveling in opposite directions.
In comparison, broken white lines are often used to indicate that lane changes are allowed, but they are not intended to divide traffic flowing in opposite directions. Medians serve as a strong and reliable barrier that ensures safer driving conditions on highways and expressways, reducing the risk of accidents caused by vehicles crossing over into opposing lanes. This physical separation is especially important at high speeds, as it provides clear visual and physical guidance for drivers to stay within their designated lanes.