When in a travel lane on the roadway:
Answers
You may stop to drop off passengers.
You may stop to look up an address.
You may make a U-turn or back up if you get on the wrong entrance ramp of the freeway.
Don’t stop for any reason. Keep moving until you can safely pull off the road.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: Don’t stop for any reason. Keep moving until you can safely pull off the road.
When you are traveling in a lane on the roadway, it is crucial to maintain a constant flow of traffic to ensure safety for both you and others on the road. Stopping in the travel lane for any reason can create significant hazards. Here’s why:
Safety Concerns
Stopping in a travel lane disrupts the movement of traffic, potentially causing accidents. Vehicles behind you may not expect you to stop, leading to sudden braking, rear-end collisions, or even drivers swerving to avoid a crash. On highways and busy streets, stopping unexpectedly in the travel lane can be especially dangerous, as drivers may have limited time or space to react.
Legal Issues
In many areas, it is illegal to stop in a travel lane unless it is for an emergency or required by traffic signals (e.g., a red light). Stopping for non-emergency reasons, such as looking up an address or dropping off passengers, can result in traffic violations or fines.
Proper Response
If you need to drop off passengers, look up an address, or correct a mistake like entering the wrong freeway ramp, you should pull off the road into a safe, designated area like a parking lot, shoulder, or rest area. This allows you to stop without obstructing traffic and without putting yourself or others at risk.
Traffic Flow
Keeping traffic flowing smoothly is a fundamental principle of safe driving. Stopping in a travel lane creates a bottleneck, which can lead to congestion, delays, and increased risk of collisions. Always look for safe places to stop if necessary, such as a parking lot, shoulder, or other designated areas.
In summary, stopping in a travel lane should be avoided at all costs unless it’s an emergency situation. Always aim to pull off the road safely to prevent traffic hazards and ensure the safety of everyone on the road.