How to Turn Around on the Expressway

Expressways can seem confusing and overwhelming to new drivers; but they don't have to be. Using a few simple driving directions, driving on the expressway can be as simple a task as driving on a regular highway. For example, if you miss an exit and need to turn around on the expressway, don't try to cut corners. There are proper methods for safely turning around on the expressway.

Instructions

1. Ignore the crossover access lanes. In the median of a divided highway, there are often small drives; usually made of stone. In some states these crossover lanes are marked with small signs. These are emergency vehicle crossings. In most states, you can get a ticket for using them to turn around on the expressway. Not only are they illegal to use, they also cause you to enter the expressway in the passing lane, among very fast moving vehicles. For your safety, don't use these lanes to turn around no matter how tempting they appear.

2. Stay off the median. What appears to be an easy turnaround can actually be deceptively muddy. Many cars have tried to employ the median as a turnaround and sunk to an axle in muck. Using the median to perform a U-turn is also illegal, and rightfully so. The high-speed nature of the expressway makes such an action dangerous for everyone in the vicinity. After a U-turn, you are entering the expressway at 15 or 20 mph, while everywhere around you cars are whizzing by at high speeds. This is a dangerous combination.

3. Continue driving until the next exit. Forget about short-cuts; they're illegal and can be deadly. If you must turn around for any reason on the expressway, drive to the next exit. It's the only legal, safe option.

4. Look left, across the highway, for an entrance ramp. If you don't see one, continue to the next exit. If you do see one, get off on the exit ramp.

5. Cross the highway. Normally you'll turn left at the end of the ramp. Find the entrance ramp for the opposite direction. For example, if you were going South, get on the North entrance ramp. This is the only safe and legal way to turn around on any expressway.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use common sense. If you're not sure if something is legal (such as using emergency turn-arounds), don't do it. As cliché as it may sound, it's always better to be safe than sorry.

• Never attempt to turn around or back up while on the expressway. If you miss your exit, even by a few yards, continue on to the next one. Backing up on the highway is illegal and extremely dangerous.