Drive Right Chapter 7 Negotiating Intersections Unit 4

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Drive RightChapter 7Negotiating
IntersectionsUnit 4

• Theory Notes from
• Mr. Millers
• Driver Education
• Class

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7.1 Searching Intersections

• The chances of a collision are greater at
  intersections than any other point on a roadway.
• More than 1/3rd of all collisions and 1/4th of
  all fatal collisions take place at intersections.

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7.1 Searching Intersections

• One reason is the drivers failure to identify a
  safe path of travel.
• Look for these clues
• Street signs and street lights
• Roadway markings
• Crossing traffic
• Parked vehicles on cross streets
• Turning traffic
• Rows of fences and mailboxes
• Traffic stopping
• Power lines

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7.1 Searching Intersections

• Approaching an Intersection
• After you identify an intersection, you will need
  to determine if have an open zone for your
  intended path of travel.
• You will need to search the left-front, front and
  right front zones.
• You also need to look for line of sight
  restrictions that will prevent you from seeing if
  your intended path is safe.
• Search the zones for changes.

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7.1 Searching Intersections

• Approaching an Intersection
• Your search will change when you have identified
  a closed zone caused by a line of sight
  restriction.
• When you are within 4-6 seconds of the
  intersection, your searching pattern should widen
  to include more information from the right and
  left zones.
• If your front path is clear, you can keep
  traveling.

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7.1 Searching Intersections

• Continue Moving Ahead
• You may continue ahead if the traffic light is
  green, or if the intersection has no signals or
  signs, and the front, right front, and left front
  zones are open.
• If your intended path of travel is clear,
  continue searching the left front, front, and
  right front zones for a path of travel change.

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7.1 Searching Intersections

• Once you have passed the point of no return, you
  should continue through the intersection.
• The point of no return is the point beyond which
  you can no long stop safely without entering the
  intersection.
• Under normal conditions, that point is two
  seconds from the intersection.
• If you have line of sight restrictions, you may
  want to change your lane positioning.

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7.1 Searching Intersections

• Deciding to Stop
• You may have to stop at an intersection when you
  identify or predict a closed zone or line of
  sight restriction ahead.
• When you reduce your speed, you can more easily
  check the zone.
• A closed zone has a traffic light (red or yellow)
  or yield sign.
• Once identified, you will need to reduce speed or
  stop.

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7.1 Searching Intersections

• Deciding to Stop
• As soon as you identify a closed zone at an
  intersection, you will need to prepare to reduce
  speed or stop.
• As soon as you identify a closed zone, check your
  rear zone.
• If it is open, begin to brake.
• If the rear zone is closed, tap your brake pedal
  to communicate to the rear driver that you are
  stopping.
• http//video.google.com/videoplay?docid-434224682
  4106778562

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7.1 Searching Intersections

• Moving After a Stop
• After you stop and your front zone is clear,
  search at 90 degree angles.
• Look Left, Right and Left again before you begin
  to move.
• When turning, your last check should be in the
  direction of your intended path of travel.
• If you are stopped behind another vehicle, wait
  one second after it begins to move.
• http//video.google.com/videoplay?docid-730808829
  9049311046

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7.2 Controlled Intersections

• A controlled intersection is one at which traffic
  signals or signs determine the right of way.
• Obey all signs and traffic signals when you
  approach a controlled intersection.
• Yield the Right of Way to through traffic.
• http//video.google.com/videoplay?docid6309493646
  947676806qcaliforniadmvtotal91start40num1
  0so0typesearchplindex6

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7.2 Controlled Intersections

• Two kinds of signs control intersections STOP
  and YIELD.
• You must come to a full stop for a stop sign,
  crosswalk, or stop line.
• At a Yield sign, slow and yield the right of way
  to vehicles on the through streets.
• http//video.google.com/videoplay?docid-434224682
  4106778562qcaliforniadmvtotal89start50num
  10so0typesearchplindex6

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7.2 Controlled Intersections

• Blocked View at Stop Sign
• Crossing Traffic
• Look around and search at a 45 degree angle.
  Search left, front and right.
• Check your path of travel for pedestrians and
  vehicles.
• Stop with your front bumper even with the curb.
• When you have an opening in all zones, proceed
  with caution.

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7.2 Controlled Intersections

• Joining Traffic Right Turn
• Search for pedestrians. Check zones and stop.
• Stop at stop line. Search and proceed with
  caution.
• Complete your turn so you end up 3-4 feet from
  curb.
• http//video.google.com/videoplay?docid6309493646
  947676806qcaliforniadmvtotal91start40num1
  0so0typesearchplindex6

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7.2 Controlled Intersections

• Joining Traffic Left Turn
• Search all zones for pedestrians and vehicles.
• Stop when your front bumper is even with stop
  line.
• Complete your turn and accelerate to adjust to
  traffic speed.

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7.2 Controlled Intersections

• Controlled Intersections with Signals
• Stale Green Light green for a long time.
• Fresh Green Light just turned green.
• Yellow Light must decide to stop or proceed.
• Red Light You must stop.

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7.2 Controlled Intersections

• Unprotected Left Turn
• Is made at a signal controlled intersection that
  does not have a special left turn light.
• Protected Left Turn
• When a special left turn light, green arrow, or
  delayed green light lets you turn left.
• Left turn light
• Green arrow
• Delayed green light

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7.2 Controlled Intersections

• Turns on Red
• Right on Red must come to a full stop as you
  would at a stop sign.
• You must yield right of way
• Left on Red most states permit a left turn on
  red if the turn is from a one way street onto
  another one way street.

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7.2 Controlled Intersections

• Controlled Railroad Crossings
• Usually has red lights and crossing gates.
• Make a complete stop when the lights are flashing
  and gates are down.
• Remain stopped until the lights stop flashing and
  gates raise.
• It is illegal and unsafe to go around gates.

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7.3 Uncontrolled Intersections

• An uncontrolled intersection has no signs or
  signals to regulate traffic.
• Usually found in lighter traffic areas.
• Never assume others will yield or stop.
• http//video.google.com/videoplay?docid-815049312
  5638695973qcaliforniadmvfailuretoyieldtotal
  11start0num10so0typesearchplindex6

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7.3 Uncontrolled Intersections

• Approaching Uncontrolled Intersections
• Check rear zone for traffic following too close.
• Be sure the space is open and clear.
• Use a search pattern.
• If a vehicle is coming from the left or right,
  the driver on the left must yield to the driver
  on the right.
• Predict the worst Never Assume!

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7.3 Uncontrolled Intersections

• Treat an uncontrolled intersection as you would a
  Yield sign and always be prepared to stop.
• Always let pedestrians go first.
• Procedures at Uncontrolled Intersections
• Check roadway conditions as you approach the
  intersection.
• Identify whether or not the intersection is
  controlled.
• Identify other roadway users in or near the
  intersection.
• Search views to each side.
• Locate your point of no return. You cant stop
  after passing it.
• Check rearview mirror for following traffic, and
  slow your vehicle.

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7.3 Uncontrolled Intersections

• Uncontrolled Railroad Crossings
• Slow down and check tracks
• Turn off radio and listen
• Reduce speed to handle rough tracks
• Stop if train is coming
• Wait for train to clear. Be sure other train is
  not coming.
• If safe, cross tracks at 20 mph
• If you have stick shift vehicle, shift to lower
  gear.
• Drive onto the tracks only after you have enough
  space and speed
• When you follow a bus or truck hauling dangerous
  materials, be prepared to stop.

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7.4 Determining Right of Way and Judging Gaps

• Right of Way is the immediate use of the roadway.
  
• You have the right of way only after other
  drivers give it to you.
• You will often have to yield, by letting others
  go first, to be safe.

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7.4 Determining Right of Way and Judging Gaps

• Situations you must yield
• Your actions should not cause them to slow, stop
  or change intended path.
• Traffic signs show right of way, they dont stop
  traffic for you.
• Do not assume the right of way.
• Many times it is better to yield even when the
  law requires other to do so.
• Failure to yield the right of way is one of the
  most frequent violations in fatal collisions.

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7.4 Determining Right of Way and Judging Gaps

• You must be able to judge the size of the gaps
  between vehicles and how long it takes to pass
  through or enter intersecting traffic lanes.
• A gap is the distance between vehicles.
• You need different size gaps for various
  maneuvers.

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7.4 Determining Right of Way and Judging Gaps

• Crossing and Joining Traffic
• You must know how long it takes to perform
  certain maneuvers.
• Crossing an intersection usually takes 4-5
  seconds.
• You need a long gap to join traffic when turning
  right than when crossing.
• A left turn is more dangerous than a right turn.
  You cross the paths of traffic.