Unit 2: Introducing Right-of-Way
Prima facie speed limits in an alley or on a beach
15 mph
Prima facie speed limits in an urban residential district
30 mph
speed limit buses are limited to
50 mph, or 60 mph on numbered highways if they've passed a commercial vehicle inspection.
When you are passed by an emergency vehicle, you should maintain a following distance behind it of __________ . A. 100 ft B. 250 ft C. 500 ft
500 ft
Prima facie speed limits on non-numbered roadways outside of an urban area
60 mph
Prima facie speed limits on numbered highways and farm-to-market roads
70 mph
What a driver exiting an alley, building, driveway, private road, or private property must do
A driver exiting an alley, building, driveway, private road, or private property must stop prior to the sidewalk or edge of the road to yield to all vehicles and pedestrians that constitute an immediate hazard.
When the driver is at a T-intersection (right of way)
A driver on the road that ends must yield to traffic in or approaching the intersection along the continuing road and proceed only when he or she can enter the intersection without colliding with traffic.
Sometimes, two cars will approach the same intersection from opposite directions, but one of them will want to turn left. This would prohibit the other car from continuing through the intersection if they both attempted to proceed at the same time. What should the car turning left do?
A driver turning left at an intersection (or into an alley, private road, or driveway) must yield to allow any traffic moving straight ahead to proceed before beginning the turn.
You must stop at least 15 ft and no more than 50 ft from the nearest rail whenever
A lowered crossing gate or flashing signal indicates that a train is coming You can see a train approaching the crossing or hear an audible signal emitted by a train within 1500 ft of the crossing You must stop to comply with a legal requirement or posted traffic control device
Basic Speed Rule in Texas
An operator may not drive at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the circumstances then existing
traffic circles
Controlled by yield signs
If you have doubt
Don't proceed
Why a driver should never hold a child in lap
In a crash, the child may be crushed between your body and the dashboard.
Frequently on roadways divided into three or more lanes, two vehicles on either side of a center lane will want to move into the same space in the center lane at the same time. Who should yield to who?
In these situations, the vehicle entering from the lane on the right (Vehicle B) should yield to the vehicle coming from the left (Vehicle A).And, of course, both should yield to the car that is already in the center lane: merging into that lane would not allow the car in the center lane enough following distance.
You must also yield to a pedestrian when:
The pedestrian wishes to cross and there is no traffic control signal in place or in operation The pedestrian is already on or nearing the part of the roadway you wish to use
How Texas Transportation Code defines right-of-way as:
The right of one vehicle or pedestrian to proceed in a lawful manner in preference to another vehicle or pedestrian that is approaching from a direction, at a speed, and within a proximity that could cause a collision unless one grants precedence to the other
you must stop for a school bus that is stopped ahead of you on the opposite side of the road, unless:
The road is divided by a median The road is a controlled access highway where pedestrians are not allowed to cross (Always stop at least 20 ft from the position of the school bus.)
Additional Move Over Law
the protections of this law have been extended to other road users as well. The Move Over Law now applies to tow trucks and TxDOT vehicles with flashing lights stopped on the side of the road. You must also move over for a TxDOT work crew stationed on the roadside to perform maintenance. When approaching any road user protected by this law, you must vacate the lane closest to them if there are multiple lanes traveling in the same direction. If there are not multiple lanes in the same direction, slow down to 20 mph below the speed limit (or 5 mph if the speed limit is 25 mph or less).Violators of the Move Over Law can be fined up to $2,000.
When Overhead red lights flash on a bus
the school bus is stopped to let school children on or off the bus.
the primary source of potential problems as you approach an intersection
the traffic in front of you. Any time anything in front of you indicates that you may need to adjust your speed or position, you should check to the rear of your vehicle for to make sure that you have the space to safely slow down or stop if necessary.
In general, when two vehicles wish to occupy the same space on a roadway
the vehicle on the right should yield to the vehicle on the left
uncontrolled intersections
there are no traffic control devices and drivers must follow standard right-of-way rules. Uncontrolled intersections are usually found in residential areas and others places with light traffic.
controlled intersections
traffic flow is managed by posted traffic control devices such as stop signs, yield signs, and traffic lights. These devices identify which drivers at an intersection should yield the right-of-way.
Where uncontrolled intersections are usually found
usually found in residential areas and others places with light traffic.
Yellow Circular Advance Warning sign
warns drivers that railroad tracks are ahead. It reminds the driver to slow down, look and listen for a train, and be prepared to stop if a train is approaching. Pavement markings on paved roads near the Yellow Circular Advance Warning sign also alert drivers that the road crosses railroad tracks ahead.
When entering an expressway (who should yield)
yield to traffic already on it, as slower traffic should yield to faster traffic. You can avoid conflicts by paying attention to traffic on the road and planning ahead.
If you do not yield to a blind or handicapped pedestrian
you are guilty of a misdemeanor.
If you insist on taking the right-of-way
you gamble with your life, as well as the lives of your passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians.
If you need to drive slower than the rate of traffic,
you must drive in the right-hand lane or as close to the right curb as possible (unless you are Passing another vehicle; Preparing to turn left at an intersection or into a private road or driveway)
What it means if you are at the center lane
you plan to proceed straight ahead.
True or False: While the Basic Speed Rule states that you always must drive at a reasonable and prudent speed, your speed should never exceed the posted speed limit or the prima facie speed limit. Prima facie speed limits are in effect whenever there is no other speed posted.
True (While the Basic Speed Rule states that you always must drive at a reasonable and prudent speed, your speed should never exceed the posted speed limit or the prima facie speed limit. Prima facie speed limits are in effect whenever there is no other speed posted.)
What happens at a stop sign even if you have been waiting behind a car
You stop
What happens when an unpaved road intersects with a paved road,
a driver on the unpaved road must yield to traffic on the paved road.
Before leaving the roundabout
activate your turn signal.
What to do even after a train has passed
always watch for trains on the other tracks or another train on the same track Freight trains do not follow set schedules, so you should always expect a train unless the signals indicate that it is safe to proceed. Before proceeding, make sure that the tracks in both directions are clear of trains.
Failure to yield
among the top causes of motor vehicle collisions in Texas. If a collision results from your failure to yield the right-of-way, you may be held liable even if the law specifies that the other driver should have yielded.
your car's blind spots
hard to see from your position in the driver's seat, or obscured by other obstacles.
When a crosswalk or limit line is not marked
stop at the corner before the curb line. Check for traffic, and wait until it is safe before you proceed across the intersection.
If both cars arrived at the intersection at the same time
the car on the left must yield to the car on the right
If two cars both wish to enter the same intersection and neither of them is directed by a traffic control device such as a stop sign or yield sign,
the car that arrived later must yield to the car that arrived first
Before Rules of the Road by William
the only real traffic law was "Keep to the Right."
True or False: You must drive at a speed that is appropriate for the speed and volume of traffic, the width and surface condition of the highway, weather conditions, and any other actual or potential hazards on the road. You must be able to stop within the clear space ahead of your car.
True (You must drive at a speed that is appropriate for the speed and volume of traffic, the width and surface condition of the highway, weather conditions, and any other actual or potential hazards on the road. You must be able to stop within the clear space ahead of your car.)
True or False: You must yield the right-of-way to any emergency vehicle no matter what.
True You must yield the right-of-way to any emergency vehicle (police car, fire truck, or ambulance) that has its lights flashing, its siren blaring, or both.The drivers of these vehicles are responding to an emergency. Their ability to get to their destination as quickly as possible could literally mean the difference between life and death. You should do everything you can to cooperate with these drivers.
two general principles that drivers must follow to make this situation safe for all roadway users.
First in, first out Yield to the right
At railroad crossing, who has the right of way (Train or driver)
At railroad crossings, trains always have the right-of-way. A train can cross whenever it wants.You must always yield to a train.
Estimating how long it takes to cross
Before you enter an intersection, estimate how long it will take you to drive across it or complete a turn. From a stopped position, it usually takes about four seconds to cross a street that's 24 to 30 ft wide. You will need at least a five- to six-second gap (about half a block) in both directions in order to cross safely.
True or False: You can stop on a crosswalk
False (Never stop inside a crosswalk. Stopping inside a crosswalk prevents pedestrians from crossing safely and makes crossing especially dangerous for blind pedestrians. It is also a right-of-way violation.In addition, when entering or exiting a parking lot or driveway, you must yield to pedestrians before driving on or over the sidewalk.)
When may you make a left turn on a red light? From a one-way road onto a one-way road When no "No Left on Red" sign is posted Never
From a one-way road onto a one-way road
Why It is Better To Yield Right-Of-Way Rather Than Use It
If another driver is not following the rules, let him or her have the right-of-way, even if it is rightfully yours.
Never assume what (right of way)
Never assume that another driver will yield the right-of-way.
What to never assume at a railroad crossing
Never assume that if there are no signals indicating that a train is coming, it is safe to proceed. While 30% to 35% of crossings in Texas use flashing signals, bells, crossing gates, or even a flagman depending on the circumstances, the majority of crossings only have a crossbuck sign posted.
How your car should remain as you near an intersection
Parallel to the curb
Why you should never leave a child in car (other than it is unsafe)
Parents, legal guardians, or other persons responsible for a child may be criminally charged under existing child endangerment laws.
Who has the right way: Walker or driver
Pedestrians have the right-of-way at all crosswalks whether or not they are marked
An ambulance with flashing lights and sirens approaches the blue car from behind. What should the driver of the blue car do?
Pull over to the right side of the road and stop as soon as it is safe, continuing only when the ambulance has passed.
you may drive on a paved shoulder to the left of the roadway if you must do so and can do so safely in order to:
Slow or stop a disabled vehicle when traffic or other circumstances prohibit you from moving to the right shoulder safely Avoid a collision Make room for an emergency vehicle, police patrol car, or bicycle Obey a traffic control device
you may drive on a paved shoulder to the right of the roadway if you must do so and can do so safely in order to:
Stop, stand, or park Accelerate to enter the flow of traffic Decelerate before making a turn Pass another vehicle that is slowing, stopped, disabled, or preparing to turn left Allow another vehicle or vehicles to pass Avoid a collision Make room for an emergency vehicle, police patrol car, or bicycle Obey a traffic control device
Where a number of basic traffic laws are listed
Texas Transportation Code (TRC)
If an emergency vehicle is stopped at a crash scene or fire on the side of the road but its lights aren't flashing
slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary. However, don't rubberneck as you pass the scene of a collision.
Drivers should help blind pedestrians safely cross the street by following these guidelines:
When your car is stopped at a crosswalk, remember that blind pedestrians use the sound of your car engine as a guide. Drivers of silent (electric and hybrid) vehicles should be especially cautious. Never give any verbal directions to or honk your horn at blind pedestrians. It is their right to decide when to cross the street: it is your responsibility to give them right-of-way. When you see a blind person pulling in his or her cane and stepping away from the crosswalk, this usually means you may go. Don't wait too long, but proceed with caution.
What flashing yellow light should be treated as
Yield sign
Always drive on the right side of the road unless:
You are passing another vehicle You need to move left to avoid an obstruction: if you do this, you must yield to any vehicle in the lane you are using to avoid the obstruction, if the vehicle is close enough to present a hazard You are driving on a multi-lane roadway or a one-way roadway
When to start moving after stopping for a School bus
You may proceed once the bus deactivates the signals and resumes motion, or if the driver signals that you may proceed.
one specific right-of-way principle that you must always follow
You must yield the right-of-way to avoid a collision.
Where right-of-way applies
at intersections, when merging, when dealing with certain other road users, and at railroad crossings
If your car stalls or stops on railroad tracks and you cannot get it to start,
get out! Try to push it off the tracks or get help if there is no train approaching.
When you approach a crossing
slow down, open your windows, and listen for a train, as trains must signal 1500 ft before they arrive at a crossing. Scan the area around the tracks and drive especially cautiously if your line of sight is obstructed.
What to do as you approach an intersection
begin to evaluate the situation and make any adjustments that are required to complete your desired maneuvers safely. Look out for: The presence of traffic control devices guiding traffic The condition of the road ahead of you Obstructions to your line-of-sight that may conceal potential hazards The areas to your left and right—are they open and clear? Other traffic to your front and rear
What prompted the Rules of the Road
by 1903 traffic in major cities such as New York had gotten so bad that traffic fatalities had already become daily occurrences
How to be prepared for other drivers' mistakes
by maintaining a considerate and courteous attitude on the road
intersection
common area at the junction of two roads or highways. (Because large numbers of vehicles meet and interact at intersections, they are among the most dangerous areas of the HTS.The common area of an intersection needs to be shared legally and safely. Always remember that right-of-way rules apply to all traffic, including motorcycles and bicycles.)
two basic kinds of intersections:
controlled and uncontrolled
The Rules of the Road by William Phelps Eno
defined a traffic code for New York City
Exception to Obeying all official traffic control devices, including signs, signals, and pavement markings
directed to do something else by a traffic or police officer or are operating an emergency vehicle.
If the traffic circle uses more than one lane (right of way)
drivers on the outside of the circle should yield to drivers on the inside of the circle, unless they are directed otherwise by a sign or traffic signal.
At any traffic signal that is inoperative
each driver must stop before proceeding. The same right-of-way rules that would apply at a stop sign apply when a traffic signal at an intersection is inactive.
When you make the decision to begin slowing down or stopping
either tap your brakes to flash your brake lights, show a hand signal, or use your turn signals to inform the driver behind that you are slowing down.
Exception to illegally of transporting anyone under 16 in the bed of a pickup truck
except during a parade or when traveling from one area of a farm to another.
If you violate right-of-way rules concerning school buses
fined between $500 and $1,250 for a first offense. For a second offense, you may be fined up to $2,000 and receive a 6-month license suspension.You will face more significant charges if you cause serious injury or if you have previously been convicted of causing injury to another.
If you arrive at a red light and you intend to turn,
first yield to all traffic and pedestrians using the intersection Once the intersection is free of traffic that might interfere with your movement, you may: Turn right (unless a "No Right on Red" sign is posted) Turn left if both roads are one-way and it is possible to make a left turn
Right-of-way rules
generally apply when two or more drivers wish to occupy the same space on the road. Right-of-way rules specify which driver has the privilege to use the roadway immediately, and which driver should yield to allow the other driver to proceed
When to proceed on a yellow light
if you have passed the point of no return and are unable to safely bring your car to a stop before reaching the intersection.
small tab on the crossbuck sign
indicate the number of tracks at the crossing
why Driving in an intersection can be dangerous
moving into a gap in traffic and crossing a stream of traffic through a gap are two of the most dangerous maneuvers in everyday driving. You will have to be able to judge the speed and the position of other vehicles and scan the road far ahead of you to select the most safest and efficient path of travel.
Left shoulder
not intended to be used by drivers in normal circumstances (shoulder)
Move Over Law
requires drivers to exercise particular caution as they pass a stopped emergency vehicle with activated lights.When you are driving on a road with multiple lanes, you must move out of the lane closest to the stopped emergency vehicle. If the road only has one lane, slow down. Drive no faster than 20 mph below the speed limit (or to 5 mph if the speed limit is 25 mph or less).
Shoulder you should drive on should you need to
right shoulder
Most important thing about right-of-way
safer to yield it than to use it
When Overhead yellow lights flash on a bus
school bus is still moving but preparing to stop
When you're driving on a road with two or more lanes of traffic moving in each direction
you should never drive to the left of the center line (into the side of the road with traffic moving in the opposite direction) Exceptions: A traffic control device designates that you can use a specified lane to the left of the center line, such as a left turn lane You need to avoid an obstruction and can only do it by moving left after yielding to any vehicle in the lane that presents an immediate hazard You are turning left into or out of an alley, private road, or driveway
As you near an intersection
you should slow down and be prepared to stop; Ease off the accelerator pedal as you prepare to enter the intersection. Yield to anyone who is already in the intersection or who is close enough to be an immediate hazard.
When approaching a yellow traffic signal
you should stop
If you are planning to turn into a driveway that is located immediately after the intersection,
you should wait until you enter the intersection to start signaling so other traffic doesn't assume you're planning to turn at the intersection.
