Lane facts for kids
A lane is a special part of a road or highway. It's like a marked path for one line of vehicles, such as cars, trucks, or buses. Most roads have two or more lanes. This allows traffic to flow in different directions or for vehicles to travel side-by-side. In some places, like Great Britain, a narrow country road might even be called a "lane."
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Different Kinds of Lanes
Roads can have many different types of lanes. Each type helps traffic move smoothly and safely.
Turning Lanes
Some roads have a special lane in the middle just for turning. This makes it easier for cars and trucks to turn left without blocking the main flow of traffic. There can also be turning lanes on the outer parts of the road, usually for right turns. These lanes help drivers prepare to turn safely.
Speed and Express Lanes
If a road has more than one lane going in the same direction, cars in the outer lanes often go faster. Cars in the inner lanes might go a bit slower. Highways can also have special express lanes. These lanes are sometimes only for certain types of vehicles. For example, some express lanes are only for cars carrying two or more people. This helps encourage carpooling and reduces traffic jams.
Lane Rules and Design
Lanes aren't just lines on the road; they follow specific rules and designs. These rules help keep everyone safe.
Lane Widths
Most places have rules about how wide lanes should be. These rules set both a smallest (minimum) and largest (maximum) width for lanes. In the United States, for example, the Federal Highway Administration suggests certain lane widths. These suggestions are for major roads like US highways and the Interstate Highway System. Proper lane widths help drivers feel comfortable and safe. They also give enough space for different types of vehicles.
Images for kids
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Thru lanes indicated by arrows on California CR G4 (Montague Expressway) in Silicon Valley
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Black center line on an Autobahn in Germany in the late 1930s
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The Ontario Highway 401 in the Greater Toronto area, with 17 travel lanes in 6 separate carriageways visible in the midground
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Turning lane on the Rodovia BR-101, Brazil
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Special, wide two-lane road used at some stretches in Aura, Finland
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Transfer lanes, connecting surface collector lanes with through lanes between two tunnels
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A left-turn merging lane in Germany, needing explanation by a crafted sign
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A typical rural American freeway (Interstate 5 in the Central Valley of California). The yellow line is on the left, the dashed white line in the middle, and the solid white line on the right. The rumble strip is to the left of the yellow line.
See also
In Spanish: Carril para niños
