1. Drive Right Chapter 7 Negotiating Intersections Unit 4
Theory Notes from
Mr. Miller’s
Driver Education
Class

2. 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.

3. 7.1 Searching Intersections
One reason is the driver’s 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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. 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!

22. 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 can’t stop after passing it.
Check rearview mirror for following traffic, and slow your vehicle.

23. 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.

24. 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.

25. 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 don’t 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.

26. 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.

27. 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.