ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions about the rules of the road, helping Orlando-area residents become better drivers by being better educated.
Trooper Steve on Tuesday was asked by Misty, “Am I breaking the law with other drivers when using the shoulder to line up when exiting a highway?”
Trooper Steve said this is a very common scenario.
“Pretend you’re driving along I-95 and approaching Wickham Road,” he said. “If you were to exit there at a busy time, there could be traffic backed from the exit and onto the main highway.”
Often, drivers move their vehicles onto the right shoulder to avoid being on the main highway.
“I understand why drivers are doing this because they do not want to in the way of traffic,” Trooper Steve said. “But to answer the question, it is ILLEGAL and DANGEROUS for vehicles to be waiting on the shoulder.”
Trooper Steve said he suggests to find another route, but he acknowledged that’s not always feasible.
“Slowing your speed well in advance, and possibly activating your hazard lights to inform other drivers that might be approaching, could be a good step in the right direction to ensure another vehicle does not impact you from behind.”
Always being situationally aware, even when stopped, as that’s the key to avoid a crash, he added.
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