ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions and shares tips about the rules of the road, helping Central Florida residents become better drivers by being better educated.
A viewer asked, “Is it legal for cars to exit I-4 then drive straight across a road and get back on I-4 to avoid a backup?”
“From firsthand experience and I am sure you can agree with me as well, driving on I-4 is pretty much a gamble anytime of the day. In our eastern portions of the interstate, our exits begin to be placed further apart. This can become a hassle if a crash occurs, and there is nowhere to exit,” he said.
Trooper Steve said backups often times are not only because of the crash but because drivers are trying to exit and reenter the highway.
For example, video from I-4 and SR-46 shows exactly this.
“At this specific intersection when a driver exits the highway, they only have the option to travel east or west after exiting. There is no lane that allows traffic to re-enter the highway if they choose.”
He said this has become such a daily occurrence that local law enforcement has begun to target this area for traffic enforcement. When drivers are crossing, they are contributing to the congestion within that intersection. There are times where drivers are crossing the intersection to reenter and in return are blocking other drivers right of way.
“The only time that this would be authorized would be if you were directed by a first responder to exit the highway, or if there was a designated through lane that allowed you to cross the intersection. The reason this is important is because if you are crossing where the roadway infrastructure was not designed for you are not contributing and creating a problem,” he said.
Watch the full video at the top of this story.
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