Module 6 Lesson 2: Intersections

There are four common types of crashes associated with intersections:

1. T-bone 2. rear end 3. left turn 4. swideswipe

Point of No Return

> The point of no return is where you can no longer stop safely without entering the intersection > This depends on the sped of travel Decide to stop before it is too late.

Turning at an intersection

> When turning LEFT, do not cut the corner > When turning RIGHT, do not turn wide > In MULTI-TURN LANE roadways, maintain turning lane position > Come to a complete stop before turning right on a red light

Right Turns

A right turn may be made on a red light after you have yielded to all traffic and pedestrians and if a NO TURN ON RED sign is not posted. You must make a complete stop before making your right turn. Safely turning right includes not turning wide; you should stay in the right lane until after you have finished your turn. To safely turn right, you should get close to the right edge of the road (watching for bicycles or motorcycles between your vehicle and the curb).

Left Turns

At a green light you may make a left turn only if there is no hazard from oncoming traffic and it is not prohibited. When you have a green left hand signal, this is called a PROTECTED turn. When making a left turn at an uncontrolled intersection or a circular green light with no arrow, you must yield to oncoming traffic. When you do not have the assistance of a light/signal for a turn, this is called an UNPROTECTED turn. It is a good practice to pull into the intersection in preparation for the turn. Once in the intersection you must complete your turn even if the light has turned yellow or red. When you are making a left turn oncoming vehicles often have the right-of-way. You must yield to oncoming drivers when making a left-hand turn.

Controlled intersections

Controlled intersections have traffic lights, yield signs or stop signs to control traffic. At a controlled intersection where you face a green light, drive carefully through the intersection at a steady speed. If the light has been green for a while, be prepared to stop when it turns yellow. However, if you are already so close that you cannot stop safely, drive through the intersection with caution. Where you face a red light, come to a complete stop and wait until the light turns green. When you approach an intersection on a main road, and the road beyond the side street is blocked with traffic, stop before entering the intersection and wait until the traffic ahead moves on. This does not apply if you are turning left or right. At a controlled intersection where you face a yield sign, slow down or stop if necessary and wait until the way is clear before driving through the intersection. At a controlled intersection where you face a stop sign, come to a complete stop. Drive through the intersection only when the way is clear.

Why?

Drivers fail to see and analyze intersections

If you and another driver arrive at the intersection at the same time, the driver on the right must yield the right-of-way.

False

Crossing railroad tracks

NEVER try to "beat" the train, or go under a lowered gate -- YOU WILL LOSE (possibly your life) • Be prepared to stop - a bus or truck with hazardous materials MUST stop • Slow down and look both ways - multiple tracks may have trains coming from both intersections • Stop at least 15 feet from the tracks

Traveling in roundabouts

SLOW DOWN. • When entering, you must yield to traffic already in the circle. • Never stop in a traffic circle - drive around again, until you can exit safely • In multiple lane circles, drivers on the right lane may exit or travel ahead • When exiting, check blind spot

Flashing yellow arrow

Steady RED arrow • If turning left, must stop Steady YELLOW arrow • Prepare to stop Flashing YELLOW arrow • Proceed with left turn after yielding onto oncoming traffic Steady GREEN arrow • Proceed with left turn NEW signal throughout the US. • It's safer • More efficient • It's more consistent

Intersections are roadways that meet or cross.

True

No matter what, you should ALWAYS yield to pedestrians.

True

Uncontrolled intersections

Uncontrolled intersections have no signs or traffic lights. They are usually found in areas where there is not much traffic. Be extra careful around these intersections. At intersections with no stop or yield signs you should slow down and be ready to stop and, and you must still yield to vehicles already in the intersection or just entering it. If you and another driver arrive at the intersection at the same time, the driver on the left must yield the right-of-way.

U-turns

Unless otherwise prohibited by a sign, a U-turn is legal at an intersection whenever a traffic stop sign protects you from oncoming traffic. A U-turn is legal at an intersection with a signal light which is either green or a green arrow unless otherwise prohibited. When attempting a U-turn at an intersection: (a) you must be sure it is not prohibited (b) scan for pedestrians and bicycles as well as other vehicles that may be entering the intersection (c) you must start the turn from the leftmost lane available to you but may finish it in any lane. A green arrow means that you have right-of-way to turn in the direction the arrow is pointing after yielding to traffic, bicycles, and pedestrians already in the intersection. The turning vehicle is protected from oncoming traffic. A yellow arrow means the protected turning time is about to end and to be prepared to obey the next signal which could be a green or red light or the red arrow. A red arrow means stop until the green arrow or green signal appears and that you may not turn either right or left on a red arrow even if you stop first. You should not assume that just because you have signaled a turn that there will be space for you to complete a turn. You should check your blind spots in addition to signaling an intention to make a turn. You should signal during the last 100 feet before turning. On a freeway, you should signal for at least 5 seconds before turning or exiting. Use of electronic signals is required unless: (a) the vehicle is not required to be equipped with turn signals, or (b) the signals become inoperable while driving. In these instances, use of hand signals is required. Signal even when you don't see other vehicles around. Be sure your turn signal is turned off after you have completed your turn or lane change so that you will not mislead other drivers.

Maintain a Visual Lead

When approaching an intersection, evaluate three searching ranges: •12-15 second range - look for signs and select a path of travel •4-6 second range - identify open and closed zones for other drivers, pedestrians, or line-of-sight restrictions •2 seconds ahead - point of no return, can no longer stop safety

Approaching Intersections

When approaching an intersection: •Look for an open path of travel •Search left, front, and right zone •Search 90 degrees to the left and right

Right turn

When making a RIGHT TURN, • signal in advance (at least 100 ft in advance) • move to the right edge of road • Watch for pedestrians and cyclist • Look left, right, and LEFT again • Proceed when clear • Turn into the closes right lane • Accelerate to the speed of traffic > Turning right and accelerating to 30 mph takes about 6 seconds.

Turning at an Intersection

When making a right or left hand turn: (a) you must scan the intersection and the roadways entering it for pedestrians and bicycles as well as vehicles (b) be aware of controlled lanes and directional signals and planning your vehicle's position before and after the turn so as to avoid a collision or blocking traffic, (c) if your view is blocked, you must yield and move very slowly until you have good visibility, and (d) if there is a bicycle lane, that you must use it to make a right turn, not enter it more than 200 feet before the turn, and not cut off a bicyclist who has the right-of-way in the bike lane.

What type of intersection becomes two roads become one or where one road becomes two. a. T b. Y c. Crossroad d. Circle

b. Y

At a T intersection, the vehicle who came first has the right of way.

false

U-turns where there is less than 500 feet of visibility in both directions is safe.

false

Use your turn signal at least 2 blocks ahead.

false

Managing Risk at Intersections, manage space

monitor and keep adequate space around your vehicle

Y

one road becomes two, or two roads become one

T

one road ends where the other one crosses

Intersection

places where roadways meet or cross. Most intersections are two roadways crossing a + or x pattern. Intersections are one of the most complex situations that a driver encounters. Nearly half of all reported crashes and a quarter of all fatal injuries occur at intersections.

Managing Risk at Intersections, Manage Visibility

scan all four corners for signs, signals, pavement marking, roadway features, vehicles, and other roadway features.

Traffic circle

several roads meet in a circle

The traffic circulating within the roundabout has the right of way to the traffic entering the roundabout.

true

crossroad

two or MORE roads intersect

Managing Risk at Intersections, manage time

understanding the 2 second POINT OF NO RETURN and that you need 6 seconds to cross a typical intersection

Left turn

• 27% of intersection crashes deal with left turns • Unprotected: "left turn yield on green" • Permission/protected: left arrow • Some lights have a "flashing yellow arrow" indicating yield to oncoming traffic

U-Turns at Intersections

• Know if a U-turn is permissible. • In NV, U-turns are generally allowed at most intersections, unless sign or signal prohibits.

Entering an Intersection

•Before entering look left - right - and left again •Need 6 seconds to cross a intersection •Intersections may change traffic flow (one-way, two-way, merging lanes) Always check! •Do not block an intersection

Identifying an Intersection Search 20-30 seconds ahead for intersection clues:

•Street signs and lights •Roadway markings •Stop signs •Signal lights •Crossing traffic •Turning traffic •Pedestrians •Traffic slowing or stopped