question about slowing down for an exit on the highway

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by snowbird_89, Sep 3, 2009.

  1. snowbird_89

    snowbird_89 Road Train Member

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    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?
     
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  3. chief

    chief Heavy Load Member

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    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.
     
  4. REDD

    REDD The Legend

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    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.
     
  5. Scuby

    Scuby Heavy Load Member

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    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.
     
  6. chief

    chief Heavy Load Member

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    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.
     
    statikuz Thanks this.
  7. REDD

    REDD The Legend

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    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.

    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....
     
  8. statikuz

    statikuz Medium Load Member

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    Few and far between? :)
     
  9. REDD

    REDD The Legend

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

    chief Heavy Load Member

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    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.
     
  11. wsyrob

    wsyrob Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    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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