Driving Safely in the HOV Lanes
Friday, June 20, 2008 4:13 PM
When you're rushing to or from work, nothing beats slipping into an HOV lane - if you have the proper number of occupants, of course - and zipping along while hundreds of other cars are crawling in congested traffic.
But if you drive the HOV lane, there are some safety tips to keep in mind.
If you're not familiar with the rules of the HOV lanes, driving rapidly in these restricted lanes can lead to problems. Accidents in HOV lanes are not uncommon.
"It's often a total disregard for the signs and gates," said Raney. "Obey the posted signage, and pay attention to the hours of operation that are on the signs. Follow the directions, and you'll be in good shape."
So here's a primer. There are five types of ramps marked by color-coded diamonds:
- One-way ramps: Are an entrance by morning, an exit by night.
- Two-way ramps: Are entrances and exits, both mornings and evenings. Look at directional signs to follow the flow of traffic safely.
- Cross ramps: Allow access to/from both sides of the freeway.
- Slip ramps: Allow you to merge into or out of freeway traffic.
- Wishbone ramps: Give access to/from feeder roads on either side of the freeway in the direction of traffic flow.
You must have at least two occupants to ride the HOV lanes, unless you are on the Katy Freeway, Monday through Friday, 6:45 a.m. to 8 a.m. During that time slot, you must have at least three occupants to be in the HOV lane.
The following vehicles are not allowed:
- No vehicles towing trailers.
- No trucks with more than two axels or a gross weight capacity of one ton or more.
- No bicycles.
Motorcycles with one rider are allowed.
Click here to read more about HOV lanes and view a system map of the ramps.
What happens if your car breaks down while you're in an HOV lane? 
"Slow down, go to the far right shoulder of the barrier wall," advises Raney. "There's actually a 4 or 5-foot shoulder with a white curve line that's painted on the lane. This allows one person to pass, and you won't block the lane."
Then call METRO police at 713-224-2677.
Do not get out of your car to fix a flat.
"We employ our own wreckers. It's a free tow. We will not take you home but will take you to a safe place. We will fix your flat if you have a flat tire. We'll give you gas if you've broken down," said Raney. "We will help you any way we can to assist you to get out of the HOV lane."
Raney said it's better to call METRO police to tow your vehicle, rather than another tow company, because the wreckers METRO uses know how to enter the HOV lanes and remove cars in tight spaces.
"It's a different type of environmental lane. On a freeway, you have more room and a shoulder. This is pretty tight quarters," said Raney.
One more tip: Before you enter an HOV lane, check the overhead lights on the HOV signs. If there is an accident ahead, warning lights will be flashing.