Driver Guide

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•    Watch for large trucks and small, underpowered vehicles on steep 
grades or when they are entering traffic.  They can lose speed on long 
or steep hills and it may take longer for these vehicles to get up to speed 
when they enter traffic.
STOPPING
Never stop on the highway itself.  Many highways have rest stops and 
service areas. 
Be alert so that you know well ahead of time when you will have to stop. 
Stopping suddenly is dangerous.  Braking quickly could cause you to lose 
control of your vehicle.  You also make it harder for drivers behind you to 
stop without hitting you.  Try to avoid panic stops by seeing events well in 
advance.  By slowing down or changing lanes, you may not have to stop at 
all, and if you do, it can be a more gradual and safer stop.
You can stop on the shoulder of the highway in an emergency.  If you do, 
alert other drivers by turning on your emergency flashers.  It is also helpful 
to raise the hood, or tie a white cloth to the antenna.
CONTROLLED ACCESS HIGHWAYS
Many highways have controlled access.  This means you can enter or 
leave the highway only where there are entrance or exit ramps.
ENTERING THE HIGHWAY
Entrance ramps are short, one-way ramps used to get on the highway.  At 
the end of most entrance ramps is an acceleration lane.  Use the ramp and 
acceleration lane to increase your speed to match the speed of the vehicles 
on the highway.
As you are speeding up, watch for an opening in the highway traffic.  
Switch on your turn signal, and pull smoothly into the traffic.  DO NOT stop 
at the end of an acceleration lane unless traffic is very heavy and you have 
to stop.
Drivers already on the highway should give you room to enter, but if they 
don’t, DO NOT force your way onto the highway.  You must yield the right-
of-way to them, even if that means stopping at the end of an acceleration 
lane.

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LEAVING THE HIGHWAY
Exit ramps are short, one-way ramps.  At the beginning of most exit ramps 
is a deceleration lane.  Make sure you are in the proper lane to leave the 
highway well in advance of the deceleration lane.
Use the deceleration lane and the exit ramp to slow down when leaving the 
highway.  Be sure you obey the speed advisory sign on the exit ramp.  Be 
ready to stop or yield at the end of the ramp.
If you miss your exit, DO NOT stop, back up, or try to turn around on the 
highway.  You will have to get off the highway at the next exit and come 
back to the exit you missed.
INTERCHANGES
Where two busy highways meet, there may be interchanges with entrance 
and exit ramps.   An interchange can be confusing if you have not driven 
on it before. A Diverging Diamond Interchange, DDI, is a relatively new 
design that you may encounter while driving in Missouri.  When driving 
through a DDI, you will travel on the left side of the roadway for a short 
distance.  There are directional signs on all interchanges that can help you 
determine where you need to go.
SOME COMMON INTERCHANGE DESIGNS:
Cloverleaf Diamond
Directional
Diverging Diamond

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WATCH OUT FOR “HIGHWAY HYPNOSIS”
Highway hypnosis can make you feel sleepy and unaware of the traffic 
around you.  Highway hypnosis is caused by the sameness of the road and 
traffic.  The hum of the wind, tires, and engine also adds to the hypnosis.
You can avoid highway hypnosis by constantly moving your eyes and 
watching the traffic and highway signs around you.  If you feel sleepy, pull 
off the highway.  Do not risk falling asleep at the wheel.
STOP DRIVING WHEN YOU FEEL SLEEPY
When you feel tired, it is harder to make decisions and to react to the traffic 
around you.  You may fall asleep at the wheel.  When you feel sleepy, pull 
off the highway at the nearest rest stop or service area.  If you are really 
sleepy, take a nap.  Tired drivers are a great danger to themselves, other 
drivers, and can be as dangerous as intoxicated drivers.
EMERGENCIES
If your vehicle breaks down on a highway, make sure other drivers can see 
you and your vehicle.  Traffic crashes occur because a driver did not see a 
stalled vehicle until it was too late to stop.
If possible, use a 2-way radio, telephone, or cellular phone to notify 
authorities that your vehicle (or someone else’s) has broken down.  Many 
roadways have signs that tell you the CB channel or telephone number to 
call in an emergency.  The cellular number to call in an emergency is *55.  
If you are having vehicle trouble and have to stop, consider the following:
•   If at all possible, get your vehicle off the road and away from traffic.
•   Turn on your emergency flashers to show you are having trouble.  
•    If you cannot get your vehicle off the roadway, try to stop where other 
drivers have a clear view of your vehicle.  Do not stop just over a hill or 
just around a curve.
•    Try to warn other drivers that your vehicle is there.  Place emergency 
flares behind the vehicle.  This alerts other drivers to change lanes if 
necessary. 
•    Never stand in the roadway.  Do not try to change a tire if it means 
you have to be in a traffic lane.  Lift the hood or tie a white cloth to the 
antenna, side mirror, or door handle to signal an emergency.

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CHAPTER 7 — SHARING THE ROAD
SHARING THE ROAD WITH MOTORCYCLES
Some things you should know when sharing the road with motorcycles:
•   Motorcycles are often overlooked by motorists.
•    It is not always easy to judge the speed or distance of a motorcycle.
•    On residential streets, especially those with parked cars, travel at or 
below the speed limit, depending on sight distance.
•    Motorcyclists change speed and lane position when encountering bad 
road conditions, such as manhole covers, diagonal railroad tracks, road 
debris, or in strong winds.  Be ready to react.
•    You should not share a lane with a motorcycle.  The motorcyclist needs 
the entire lane for safety reasons.
•    When you are passing, give motorcycles a full lane width.  Do not 
squeeze past these road users.  Wait for a clear stretch of road before 
passing a cyclist in a lane too narrow to share.
SAFETY TIPS FOR MOTORCYCLE RIDERS
1.   The law requires you to wear a helmet.  Wearing a safety-certified 
helmet can prevent serious head injuries or death.
2.   Be sure your motorcycle is in safe condition and has all the equipment 
required by law.
3.   Make sure motorists see you.  Wear bright colored clothes and stay out 
of a vehicle’s blind spots. Use proper lights and reflectors when riding 
after dark.
4.   Make sure you signal before you slow down, change lanes or turn.  
Before merging, changing lanes, or turning, scan behind and in front 
to ensure that it is safe to make this maneuver.  Do so in plenty of 
time and in cooperation with other drivers who will be affected by 
your move.  If it is not safe, continue on a straight course and scan 
repeatedly.  Only move once it is safe.
5.   Be careful when passing to the left of a parked or moving vehicle.  You 
should leave 3 to 4 feet of clearance to avoid suddenly opened car 
doors or to allow for a vehicle to swerve.
6.   Be extra careful at intersections.  Do not assume your right-of-way 
when there is a vehicle approaching.  Be aware that motor vehicle 
drivers may not see you approaching the intersection, or may believe 
that you are moving at a slower speed than you are.
7.   Keep a steady line and be predictable as a courtesy to other traffic and 
to increase your personal safety.
MOTORCYCLE DRIVERS NEED A DRIVER LICENSE
To drive any motorcycle on the public streets, you must have a valid driver 
license with a motorcycle endorsement or a motorcycle license. 

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