Handling situations on expressways

Merging from a slip road

Accelerate on the acceleration lane to the speed of the traffic flow before merging, and give way to vehicles already on the expressway. Merging slowly forces following drivers to brake hard — a common cause of pile-ups at slip road entries.

When the vehicle ahead brakes hard

Slow down under control, keep your distance, check the mirrors, and change lane only when it is safe. Do not swerve — at speed, a sharp steering input destabilises the car and easily leads to a rollover or a collision in the next lane. Do not slam on the brakes either if a vehicle is close behind.

If you break down

1. Switch on the hazard lights and move onto the emergency lane if the car still moves.
2. Place the warning triangle behind the car at the prescribed distance.
3. Get everyone out and behind the barrier — do not stay in the car and do not stand in front of or behind it on the carriageway.
4. Call recovery using the number posted along the route.

Never reverse, turn around or drive against traffic on an expressway — these carry the heaviest penalties and cause the most serious crashes.

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