Section 3: Roadway and Vehicle Knowledge

What do you need to know about turning ?

Rules for turning apply at all locations, even driveways and alleys, not just at intersections. Signal, reduce your speed and turn smoothly when safe to do so. As you turn, make sure to check for pedestrians, mopeds and bicycles. In some areas, turns may be made from more than one lane.

What are U-Turns?

U-Turns are permitted as long as the movement can be done safely, does not interfere with other traffic and is not prohibited by signs. When making a U-Turn, you must yield approaching traffic and make the turn only when it is safe to do so.

School Buses and School Zones:

When approaching a school bus that is picking up or dropping off passengers, you must come to a complete stop before reaching the bus, regardless of your direction of travel. A school bus will have alternating flashing lights and a mechanical stop-sign arm extended while passengers are entering or leaving the bus. You must remain stopped until the school bus moves ahead or until the stop-sign arm and flashing lights are no longer shown. Watch for children crossing the road in front of, or behind the school bus. You are not required to stop for a school bus on a divided roadway when traveling in the opposite direction. A divided roadway is one in which the road is separated by physical barriers such as a fence, curbing or separation of the pavement. Roadway striping by itself does not constitute a physical separation of the roadway.

CAUTION:

CAUTION: Motorists should exercise extreme care when in the vicinity of any stopped school bus, as a child may dart from the front or the rear of the bus.

Pedestrian activated signals

Flashing Yellow: Pedestrian has activated signal Solid Yellow: Prepare to stop Solid Red lights: STOP. Pedestrians are in the crosswalk Flashing Red lights: Proceed with caution if the crosswalk is clear All Lights blank: Proceed with caution if the crosswalk is clear

What is "Move-Over Law"?

The "Move Over Law" (ARS 28-775) requires motorists to move over one lane to create a safe margin of space when driving by any vehicle with flashing lights pulled to the side of a road or highway. If it's not safe or possible to move over, motorists must slow down and use caution. This law pertains to all vehicles pulled over with flashing lights, including emergency-response and lawenforcement vehicles, tow trucks, highway maintenance vehicles and private vehicles. It applies to all freeways and other multiple lane highways, city roads and streets.

What are "T" Intersections?

The driver on the street which ends must yield the right of way to vehicles on the street.

More about signals:

The maximum speed from the first sign to past the school crossing sign is 15 mph. When portable signs are not in place, the normal speed limit for the area applies. Passing another vehicle in a school crossing zone is prohibited. There will often be a crossing guard assisting children crossing the roadway. Follow the instructions of the crossing guard, and come to a complete stop when any person is in the crosswalk.

YELLOW

This signal means caution. A yellow light is a warning that the light is about to turn red. If you have not entered the intersection, you should come to a safe stop. If you are already in the intersection, you should continue moving and clear it safety. Do not speed the light because you will crash.

GREEN

This signal means go. Check left and right for cross traffic before entering the intersection to avoid collision with a red light runner. Yield to any vehicle that is already in the intersection when the light changed.

RED

This signal means stop. You must come to a complete stop before you reach the intersection, stop line or crosswalk. Remain stopped as long as the light stays red. A right turn may be made after coming to a complete stop, when motor traffic and pedestrian traffic are clear.

Combined U-Turn and Left Turn Sign

U-turns are permitted at almost all of the light rail intersections in the 20-mile METRO system to allow vehicles to cross the tracks. Left turns and U-turns are controlled with traffic signals.

Important rules for pedestrians:

1. Use crosswalks when provided or cross at an intersection. 2. Make eye contact with the drivers of approaching vehicles whenever possible. 3. Look before you step in a roadway . Even at a crosswalk, drivers must be given time to perceive and react to you stepping into the roadway. 4. Avoid distractions, such as using phones, or wearing headphones/ earbuds, while crossing the road. 5. Cross in a well-lit location at night 6. Follow all the traffic rules, signs and signals that may be present where you are crossing..

Solid and Broken Yellow Lines

A broken yellow line alongside a solid yellow line indicates that passing is permitted only in one direction. If the broken yellow line is on your side, you may pass when the roadway ahead is clear. If the solid yellow line is on your side, you may not pass.

Flashing red light

A flashing red light means the same thing as a stop sign. You must come to a complete stop, then proceed with caution when the roadway is clear.

What is the most important thing you need to know about pedestrians?

You may not pass another vehicle that is stopped for a pedestrian, even if you have a clear lane or a green traffic signal.

Green Arrow

You may proceed in the direction of the arrow, if you are in the proper lane and the roadway is clear.

METRO Safety by Design

1. Improved pedestrian signals: Improvements include countdown signals, new walkways and landscaping to reduce jaywalking. Special attention has been given to safety in school zones with the installation of new signals at some crossings. 2. ▪ Protected turn lanes:Automobiles may turn across the METRO tracks only from designated turn lanes controlled by traffic signals. 3. Train-only track-way: METRO travels in its own track-way, separated from traffic by six-inch curbs. Auto traffic may cross only at controlled locations, and special traffic signals and warning signs activate when trains approach. 4. Station design: Stations are designed to discourage jaywalking. Each station has two access points, reachable by signalized crosswalk. Station platforms and vehicle floors are the same height, providing passengers with a no-step entry. 5. Signals at frontage roads: Frontage roads near the tracks are controlled with traffic signals and are designed to handle large trucks and emergency vehicles. 6. Vehicle design: Cameras inside and outside allow METRO operators to ensure that passengers clear the doors while boarding and deboarding. Doors must close before the vehicle can move. Smooth stops mean that no wheelchair tie downs are needed. Light rail coupler design: To minimize injuries in the event of a crash, the couplers that connect light rail vehicles are covered in an energy absorbing material.

Following Emergency Vehicles

1. When an emergency vehicle, such as police, fire or ambulance, with flashing lights and/or giving an audible signal approaches, a driver shall yield the right-of-way, move to the right and stop their vehicle until the emergency vehicle has passed. 2. The driver shall maintain a distance of at least 500 feet behind a fire department vehicle responding to an emergency and at least 300 feet behind a police vehicle responding to an emergency. Do not drive into or park your vehicle within the block where the emergency vehicle has stopped to respond to the emergency.

What do you do if the weather is in bad condition while driving?

1. When driving on wet roads, reduce your speed appropriately. 2. When driving on roads with snow or ice, reduce your speed appropriately. 3. When driving in bad weather, double the following distance from the vehicle in front of you and reduce speed appropriately.

What do you do at controlled intersections?

1. You must obey the traffic signals and signs. Yield the right-of-way to other vehicles as directed . Do not assume it is safe to proceed just because you have the right-of-way . Check for traffic and pedestrians.

Flashing yellow arrow

A flashing yellow arrow means you should slow down and turn with caution if the roadway is clear. Yield right-of-way to any on coming vehicle or pedestrian before making your turn.

Flashing yellow light

A flashing yellow light means you should slow down and proceed with caution if the roadway is clear.

Red Arrow

A lighted red arrow means that you may not turn in the direction of the arrow. You must stop and wait for the green signal to appear before turning.

Painted Curbs

A painted curb means that you must follow special rules to park there. White: You may stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers. Yellow: You may stop only long enough to load or unload. Stay with your car. Red: You may not stop, stand or park.

Yellow Arrow

A yellow arrow warns that the light is about to change to red. If you have not entered the intersection, you must stop and wait for a green arrow.If you are already in the intersection, you should continue your turn and clear the intersection.

Warning devices and signs

Alerting and controlling devices are used in road construction and in maintenance work areas to direct drivers or pedestrians safely, as well as to protect the safety of highway workers. Orange is the basic color for these devices. You must drive slowly and be especially alert at all construction sites. Always obey the posted speed limit.

What do you need to know about Emergency vehicles?

Always be alert for emergency vehicles, especially at intersections. When a police car, fire engine, ambulance or other emergency vehicle approaches using a siren, lights or other warning devices, you must yield the right-of-way. Move to the right side of the road and stop until the vehicle has passed. On a four-lane highway with at least two lanes proceeding in the same direction as the approaching vehicle, proceed with due caution. Yield the right-of-way by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to that of the emergency vehicle. If changing lanes is not possible or unsafe, proceed with due caution and reduce the speed of your vehicle.

Left Turn: One-way road to Two-way road

Approach the intersection in the traffic lane closest to the left curb. Turn into the lane just to the right of the center line. Do not move to the right lane without checking traffic to your right and signaling for a lane change. This turn cannot be made against a red light.

Left Turn: Two-way Road to One-way road

Approach the turn in the traffic lane just to the right of the center line. As you enter the intersection, turn into the extreme left lane of the road you are entering

Left Turn: One-Way Road to One-Way Road

Approach with your car in the traffic lane nearest the left curb. Turn without swinging wide. Bring your car into the extreme left traffic lane on the road you are entering. This is the only left turn situation where, unless signs prohibit it, you may make the turn against a red light after stopping and yielding to traffic and pedestrians.

Right Turns

As you prepare to turn right, stay close to the right curb or edge of the road. Do not swing wide before or while turning.

Broken White Lines

Broken white lines separate lanes of traffic going in the same direction. These lines may be crossed with caution. (Remember to signal your intention to change lanes).

Broken Yellow Lines

Broken yellow lines separate lanes or traffic going in opposite directions and indicates that passing on the left is permitted when the roadway is clear. Since you are facing oncoming traffic, overtaking and passing must be done with extreme caution.

Double Yellow Lines

Double solid yellow lines mean that passing is not allowed in either direction. You may not cross the lines unless you are turning left.

What do you do if there is a Funeral?

Drivers must yield the right-of-way to any vehicle that is part of a funeral procession being led by a funeral escort vehicle flashing a red or a blue light.

Impeding Traffic:

Driving too slowly can be as dangerous as driving too fast. Remember to drive in the right lane and allow faster moving vehicles to pass whenever you are driving slower than traffic around you.

Speed Limits:

Elements such as road conditions, traffic flow and the number of crashes are used to determine the proper speed limits for roadways. You must obey all posted limits. *15 mph when approaching a school crosswalk. *25 mph in any business or residential district. *55 mph on open highways or city freeways. *65 mph on designated open highways. *75 mph on rural freeways.

Turn Lane Arrow

If you are traveling in a lane marked with a curved arrow and the word ONLY, you must turn in the direction of the arrow. If your lane is marked with both a curved and a straight arrow, you may turn in the direction of the arrow or you may go straight.

What happens if you run a red light?

If you receive a citation for running a red light, or another civil traffic violation, you may be eligible to attend to the Arizona Supreme Court's Defensive driving program. If you run a red light (or a flashing red light) and receive a traffic citation, upon conviction of that violation you will be required to attend Traffic Survival School . The Motor Vehicle division will be notified of your successful completion of Traffic Survival School, and no further court appearance is required. If you run a red light and cause a crash that results in life-threatening injuries to another driver or passenger, you may be fined up to $500 and your driving privilege may be suspended for three months. If you cause a crash that results in death of another driver or passenger, you may be fined up to $1,000 and your driving privilege may be suspended for six months. You may be ordered to do community service. MVD is required by law to order the completion of Traffic Survival School (TSS) for every red light conviction reported by the courts.Points are assessed and will appear on your driver record.Failure to complete the course results in an indefinite suspension of your driving privilege.

One-Way Streets

If you will be traveling on a one-way street for several blocks, it is best to stay in the center lane. The left and right lanes will be used by turning vehicles.

What are METRO Light Rail Vehicles?

METRO light rail vehicles are operating on Valley streets in Maricopa County.

What is a Mile Post?

Mile posts can be used to tell where you are located if you are involved in a crash, have mechanical problems, or are out of gas. If you have to stop, note the route you are on and the approximate distance from a mile post.

Left Turns

On a two-way road, approach the turn with your car in the lane just to the right of the center line. Turn just to the left of the center point of the intersection. Enter the lane just to the right of the center line. This avoids conflict with other traffic making either right or left turns.

What do you need to know about Pavement Markings:

Pavement markings are used to guide and warn drivers, as well as to regulate traffic. Markings may be either yellow or white and can appear in combinations.

Solid White Lines

Solid white lines are used for turn lanes and to prevent lane changes near intersections. Sometimes these lanes have arrows as seen below.

Fines double in work zones

Speed limits are set for a work zone not only to protect the drivers passing through, but also to protect the people who are performing the work. When signs are posted, fines for a speed violation are doubled.

Train Approaching sign

These electronic signs are posted at all METRO light rail intersections and flash when a train is approaching the intersection.

Reversible Lanes

These lanes are usually marked by double-dashed yellow lines. Before you start driving in them, check to see which lanes you can use at that time. There may be signs posted by the side of the road or overhead.

Warning Signs: Turn, Curve and Winding Road Signs

These signs are used to warn drivers of turns in the roadway. Below the signs may be small yellow square signs indicating the safe speed to drive through the curve.

Left Turn: Two-way Left Turn Lane

This lane is bordered on either side by two yellow lines - the inner line is broken, the outer line is solid. This lane is only for use of vehicles turning left in either direction. This lane provides a safe area to slow before a left turn off of the street, or to drive into when turning left from a side street or driveway.

Railroad crossing sign:

This sign marks the location of a railroad crossing. When you arrive at a railroad crossing, you must stop no closer than 15 feet from the nearest railroad track when you observe any of the following: ▪ Flashing red lights ▪ Lowered crossing barricade ▪ Ringing bells ▪ Flagger warning of an approaching train Do not cross the tracks until all signals have stopped and the crossing barricade is up all the way. Do not drive around or under a lowered crossing barricade.

How do you approach an uncontrolled intersection?

When approaching with an inoperative traffic control signal or no traffic lights, stop signs or yield signs, treat it as you would a 4-way stop. Come to a complete stop before entering an intersection and then proceed when the roadway is clear. If two vehicles arrive at the intersection at about the same time, both must stop and the driver of the vehicle on the left much yield the right-of-way to the driver on the right.

Alleys and Driveways

When entering the roadway for an alley or driveway, you must stop before reaching the sidewalk. Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and approaching vehicles.

Right turn on red

When turning right at a red light, you must first stop completely before reaching the marked or unmarked crosswalk. Look for "No Turn On Red" signs. Always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, bicyclists and, oncoming traffic. Unless signs direct you otherwise, turn into the right lane of the road you enter.

What do you do when you approach a Inoperative signal lights?

When you approach an intersection with an inoperative traffic signal, treat it as you would a 4-way stop. Come to a complete stop before entering the intersection and then proceed when the roadway is clear. If two vehicles arrive at the intersection at about the same time, both must stop and the driver of the vehicle on the left must yield the right-of-way to the driver on the right.

What do you do before you decide to make a left turn?

When you are preparing to turn left, you must yield the right-of-way to an oncoming vehicle, bicycle or pedestrian.

Use of Lanes:

White Lane Lines: White lane lines separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. Single white lines may also mark the right edge of the pavement. Broken White Lines: A broken white line separates two lanes traveling in the same direction. Once you have signaled, and if it is safe to do so, you may cross this line when changing lanes. Solid White Line: A solid white line marks the right edge of the roadway and separates lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. Only cross the solid line on the right edge of the roadway in case of emergency or to avoid a road hazard. Vehicles may cross a solid white line when merging into and out of the High Occupancy (HOV) lane. Double solid white lines: A double solid white line separates two lanes of traffic going in the same direction. Crossing a double solid white line is prohibited. Yellow Lane Lines: Yellow lane lines separate lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions. Single yellow lines may also mark the left edge of the pavement on divided highways and one-way streets.

Different types of signs:

White speed limit signs with black letters are regulatory signs and indicate the maximum speed you can legally go. Orange signs with black letters indicate recommended safe speeds due to the curvature or grade of the road or other special conditions at that location. Slow down until you are assured of safely navigating the location.

Roadway Construction and Temporary Work Zones

Work zones are common and are set up for road construction or maintenance. Work zones pose a unique hazard to drivers and the people who are there to perform the work.Comply with the speed limit and other warning signs that are set up for your safety. Always be on high alert and expect to stop or slow down suddenly for changing or unexpected conditions, including changes to the road surface. Workers and construction vehicles may be immediately adjacent to the travel lanes or may enter the travel lanes at any point in the work zone.

Walking

▪ Don't walk on or stand near the tracks. ▪ Cross only at crosswalks and obey the crosswalk signs. ▪ Be alert near the tracks: light rail is quiet. Look for flashing train headlights and listen for warning bells and horns. ▪ Adults should hold the hands of small children near the tracks and on station platforms.

The following rules and regulations of being on a railroad track?

▪ Expect a train on any track at any time. ▪ Do not get trapped on a railroad crossing. ▪ Get out of your vehicle if it stalls on the tracks. ▪ Look for a second train in the other direction. ▪ Never race with a train. ▪ Watch for vehicles such as buses and gasoline tankers, which must stop at railroad crossings. ▪ When driving at night, be alert for railroad crossing warning signs that are not lighted.

Driving and Bike riding

▪ Never stop or park your car or bike on light rail tracks. ▪ Stop on red. A red arrow means "Do Not Turn." ▪ Look both ways before crossing the tracks by car or bike. ▪ Never drive your car or ride a bike in the area in which the train operates. ▪ Light rail trains are quiet. Pay attention near the tracks: look for flashing train headlights and listen for warning bells and horns. ▪ The ends of a light rail train are identical. White headlights show a train approaching, red taillights show it moving away.

Rules that drivers should follow:

▪ Signal before entering the lane. ▪ Move completely into the lane. ▪ Be alert for others using the lane. ▪ Do not use the two-way left turn lane for passing, for thru traffic or to accelerate in order to merge with thru traffic.

Kids: Be smart, Be safe

▪ Stop, look and listen around light rail tracks. ▪ Cross intersections only in a crosswalk and obey the crosswalk signs. At crosswalks, get off bikes and skateboards and walk them through the crosswalk. ▪ Never play near the tracks, and don't climb trees or fly kites or airplane models near the overhead power lines. ▪ Skateboarding, rollerblading and riding bikes on the tracks or on light rail platforms is not safe and is not permitted.