Why Should Service Roads Yield to Main Roads?
3 Answers
Below are the reasons why service roads should yield to main roads: 1. Reason one: Main roads have higher traffic volume and serve as arterial roads, while service roads are secondary roads. Secondary roads should yield to arterial roads. Generally, main roads have more lanes and higher speed limits, so vehicles on service roads must yield to those on main roads. 2. Reason two: When traffic volume on main roads is too high, creating significant pressure, some vehicles can use service roads to alleviate congestion on main roads, such as at interchanges. 3. Reason three: In urban expressways, service roads should be located on one or both sides of the main road. For elevated roads, service roads should be placed at ground level beneath the elevated structure and should preferably be continuous in urban areas. In suburban expressways, service roads can be continuous or intermittent. Service roads on both sides of the main road should be one-way, while those on a single side can be two-way.
When I first got my driver's license, I didn't understand this rule either. It wasn't until I drove long distances that I realized. Vehicles on the main road usually travel at high speeds with heavy traffic. If every exit from the auxiliary road forces its way in, vehicles on the main road would have to constantly brake and yield. This not only causes congestion but also increases the risk of rear-end collisions. I remember once at a highway entrance, a truck from the auxiliary road didn't yield, resulting in a five-car pile-up that caused a three-hour traffic jam. This design is like a city's drainage system—the main channels must remain clear, while the inflows from tributaries need to be controlled. Traffic authorities established this rule to prevent conflicts in traffic flow and improve overall efficiency. Waiting a few extra seconds while driving can save us a lot of trouble.
As a veteran truck driver who frequently transports goods, I deeply understand the necessity of such rules. The main road is like an arterial blood vessel, with high traffic volume and fast speeds, while vehicles merging from the auxiliary road are akin to those joining from capillaries. If auxiliary road vehicles don't yield, main road drivers have to frequently slow down or change lanes to avoid them, which is both dangerous and reduces traffic efficiency. Especially during peak hours in the morning and evening, any attempt to cut in can easily cause congestion. When driving a heavy truck, I pay extra attention and always stop behind the white line when I see vehicles approaching on the main road. This isn't just about obeying traffic laws—it's about respecting lives. After all, driving isn't about who's braver; the real skill lies in arriving safely.
