question about slowing down for an exit on the highway - Truckers' Trucking Forum

danny_379 · **^ Top** #1 09.03.2009

if i'm driving on the highway, and my exit is coming up, what speed should i slow down to before i enter the lane for the exit?

when i drive my car, i normally coast to 55 before i enter the lane for the exit. in a truck, how much should i slow down too before i enter the lane for the exit?

for example, if the posted speed limit for the exit is 30 MPH, how much should i slow down to BEFORE i enter the lane for the exit? i'm guessing it should be slower than 55?

chief · **^ Top** #2 09.03.2009

depends on whether the exit is straight, or a clover leaf. for a clover leaf, about 5-10 MPH slower than the sign. for a straight exit, it depends on how long the ramp is. you'll learn all this during training....after they show you how to operate all the appliances in the cab.

REDD · **^ Top** #3 09.03.2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by danny_379

i'm guessing it should be slower than 55?

And I'm guessing your going to get rear ended... They have those exit lanes at extended lengths for a reason.... For you to slow down in them.

Scuby · **^ Top** #4 09.03.2009

Also depends what kind of fluids you are carrying as well. I have carried 40k of liquid fertilizer in containers and it was as close to pulling a tanker I wanted to get.

chief · **^ Top** #5 09.03.2009

anybody will get rearended if someone is tailgating them. not all exits are long enough to be doing highway speeds at the start of the ramp. you do that with a short ramp, and you won't be able to stop at the end. you do it on a cloverleaf, and you'll end up driving the truck on its side.

REDD · **^ Top** #6 09.03.2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by chief

anybody will get rearended if someone is tailgating them.

You are correct... But also factor in the amount of traffic on today's highways... 70 mph speed zones... 63 mph hour trucks... 45-50 mph exit ramp with a long decel lane... If he slows down, he will eventually get rearended.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chief

not all exits are long enough to be doing highway speeds at the start of the ramp. you do that with a short ramp, and you won't be able to stop at the end.

The good old North east states..... I don't run there no more. There are a few short ramps elsewhere, but they are far & in between....

statikuz · **^ Top** #7 09.03.2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by REDD

but they are far & in between....

Few and far between?

REDD · **^ Top** #8 09.03.2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by statikuz

Few and far between?

That's what I said.... Out loud.... But those words never made it to my finger tips!

chief · **^ Top** #9 09.04.2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by REDD

If he slows down, he will eventually get rearended.....

if he doesn't slow down, he'll eventually overshoot the exit, or roll the truck on a clover leaf. anyone can be rear ended, if the guy behind you is riding your arse, or not paying attention to those bright red lights on the back of your vehicle (you know - the brake lights, turn signals lights - the latter flashes when it's used - really gets peoples' attention.) and the rear ender will be the one charged - for following too close.

wsyrob · **^ Top** #10 09.04.2009

Driving a Tanker I slow down gradually before an exit to give people time to get around me. Always watch you speedometer on ramps. After driving at highway speeds for hours you will think you are going slower than you really are. Smooth and easy is the way to go. I would rather have someone rear end me than roll over.

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