What should you do when exiting a freeway?

When exiting a freeway, it is important to follow a specific sequence of actions to ensure safety for both yourself and other drivers. The correct approach involves signaling your intention to exit, which communicates your plan to nearby vehicles. After signaling, you should smoothly and safely move into the deceleration lane, which is designed to help reduce your speed in preparation for leaving the freeway. Gradually decreasing your speed is crucial because it allows for a smooth transition from the higher speeds typically found on freeways to the lower speeds on surface streets. Lastly, obeying exit signs is vital as they provide important information about the exit itself, such as its number and any specific instructions or warnings.

This combination of signaling, moving into the appropriate lane, reducing speed, and following signage helps prevent accidents and maintains a flow of traffic. Other options, such as accelerating or waiting until the last moment to exit, could create hazardous situations. Stopping at the exit with hazards on is also unsafe, as it can lead to rear-end collisions or confusion among other drivers.