What is the correct procedure for exiting a freeway?

The correct procedure for exiting a freeway involves signaling your intent to exit, moving into the designated exit lane, and then reducing your speed to a safe level for the upcoming turn at the end of the exit ramp. This process is crucial because it ensures that other drivers are aware of your intention to leave the freeway, and by transitioning into the exit lane, you create a safe path for yourself without disrupting the flow of traffic.

Maintaining speed too long or failing to signal can lead to unintended consequences, such as missing the exit or causing confusion for other drivers. It is also important to reduce speed because exit ramps often have a lower speed limit than the freeway, and slower speeds help you safely navigate the turn.

Making a U-turn at the exit ramp is not a safe or legal option in most situations, as exit ramps are designed for exiting the freeway rather than reversing direction. Similarly, waiting for a gap in traffic before signaling does not align with proper freeway exit protocol, as signaling should be done ahead of time to communicate your intentions to other drivers.