The following is from the brochure handed out at the official opening of Interstate 81.
Drive safely...
To adequately serve its 18 million citizens and its countless visitors, New York State has been carrying out an unprecedented highway program.
During the past decade, we have completed or initiated projects providing many thousands of miles of new or improved highways.
We now have more than 2,100 miles of multi-lane, divided highway, including more than 600 miles of toll-free routes on the Interstate System, such as the North-South Expressway.
We have given high priority to the up-grading of other types of roads under State jurisdiction.
We have provided record State financial help to encourage the improvement of roads which are the responsibility of other jurisdictions within our borders.
Our primary objective has been to enhance the safety of all our highway users, while improving their mobility. At the same time, we have remained aware of the value in planning these improvements to best stimulate the economic growth of the Empire State.
To the end that these objectives may be realized to the fullest degree, I urge you to drive safely and courteously.
Nelson A. Rockefeller
Governor
Because Expressway Driving is Different, the following practices are recommended for your observance:
- Pre-plan your trip. Study your map and know your route. Be well rested and alert. By federal Law, no commercial services are available on Interstate highways. It is especially important, therefore, that your gas tank be filled, your car in good operating condition, your tires safe. Use your seat belts.
- Enter expressways prudently. Acceleration lanes are provided on Interstate highways to enable you to merge safely with the main traffic flow. Choose a safe gap in traffic before entering.
- Don't tailgate. Speed limits are higher on expressways than on other roads, so distance between cars should be greater. Drive defensively. Allow one car length for each 10 miles of your speed under normal circumstances, more under adverse conditions. Drive at a steady pace but vary your speed from time to time on long trips to avoid monotony.
- Pass carefully. Drive on the right, pass on the left. Check your mirrors frequently and use your directional signals when you intend to change lanes.
- Stop judiciously. If you must stop on an expressway, pull as far off the road to the right as possible. Turn on your warning flashers. To attract help, attach a white cloth to the radio antenna or to the left door handle, and raise your hood. If your car becomes disabled in a travel lane, use your flashers and also warn oncoming traffic with flags or flares. On long trips, plan to stop periodically in safety parking areas to relax and stretch your legs.
- Exit safely. Know in advance where you want to leave an expressway and watch for the signs. Signal your turn, but don't slow down significantly until you reach the deceleration lane. Obey speed limits on the exit ramps and intersecting highways. If you pass your exit, NEVER back up but proceed to the next interchange.
These practices, and the exercise of the good driving habits which are necessary everywhere, will make your trip on an expressway much safer and more enjoyable.
THINK HIGHWAY SAFETY.
