Negotiating Intersections Chapter 10 Negotiating Intersections

Key Idea This chapter discusses the skills needed to approach, enter, and exit different types of intersections safely. These skills involve proper searching techniques; judgments of time, space and distance; and yielding the right of way.

How to identify an intersection What is an intersection? Any place where two or more roads come together, or cross. Common types of intersections: Four Way “+” or “X” pattern Three Way “T” or “Y” pattern Multiple Roads (more than two)

How to identify an intersection con’t. Clues that an intersection is coming up: Street lights and signs Roadway markings (turn lanes/crosswalks) Stopping or turning traffic Pedestrians Rows of fences or mailboxes Power lines crossing over the street Curb bending away/ending

Controlled or Uncontrolled? Controlled intersection An intersection that has a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic signal in one or more directions controlling the flow of traffic. Uncontrolled intersection An intersection that does not have a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic signal in one or more directions controlling the flow of traffic. You should always treat this intersection as if a yield sign were present though. Controlled intersections - has a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic signal present in one or more directions. Uncontrolled Intersection – Does not have a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic signal in any direction at the intersection.

Approaching an intersection After identifying the intersection ahead you should: Look for Line of Sight Restrictions What is being hidden by the tree and van?

Approaching an Intersection 12-15 sec. ahead Locate traffic controls and search for roadway markings Left? Right? Straight? Choose correct lane. Zone checks become more frequent (especially mirrors incase of stop) Identify if it is a stale green light or fresh green light. Try to pick out the number of streets (directions) coming together.

Approaching an Intersection 4-6 sec. ahead Left-Across-Right-Across-Left Search Cover the brake Identify other users (drivers and pedestrians), LOS restrictions, Path of Travel Restrictions Check mirrors to see if rear zones are clear in case of stop

Approaching an Intersection 2 sec. ahead Point of No Return What is this? Where is it at? What might change it? Point of no return – This is the point beyond which you can no longer safely stop without entering (going out into) the intersection. Under NORMAL conditions, that point is when you are two seconds from the intersection. The distance from the intersection is dependent upon the speed at which you are traveling. Faster = further away from (before) the intersection, slower = closer to (before) the intersection.

Deciding to Stop Traffic signal/sign Something blocking your path Red/Yellow light Stop sign Yield Sign Something blocking your path Other user Before braking to stop, remember to check mirrors! Stop before the stop line, crosswalk, or the beginning of the intersection. If your view is blocked, perform a safety stop. If stopping behind another vehicle, stop where you can see the bottom of their rear tires touching the ground. Safety stop – stop with your front bumper even with the curb line or cars parked on the cross street, allowing you to search 90 degrees to right and left.

Entering an Intersection Check Left-Right-Left Line of Sight restriction? Additional checks to make sure path is open Change lane position/reduce speed while checking Turning Last check should be in the direction of your turn

Analyzing Data (p.188) 1. Reading the Graph 2. Analyzing Data 3. Inferring 4. Inferring 5. Execute Reading the Graph – What is the total percentage of fatal crashes represented by this graph? 2. Analyzing Data – At which traffic control were the greatest number of fatal crashes? The fewest number of crashes? 3. Inferring – Suggest a reason for the difference in crashes at a flashing red light and at a flashing light with a stop sign. 4. Inferring – Suggest a reason why intersections with stop signs and intersections with no control had about the same percentage of fatal crashes. 5. Execute – As a driver, what actions can you take to prevent crashes at intersections?

Determining Right of Way Define right of way. The privilege of having immediate use of a certain part of the roadway. If you yield correctly, the traffic you are yielding to should not have to: Slow Stop Swerve Traffic signs show who should yield, but don’t actually make it happen. Don’t assume others will yield Better to yield to others even if law requires them to yield to you.

8 Situations for Yielding Right of Way 1. Stop sign 2. Fresh green light 3. Leaving an alley, driveway, or private road 4. Yield signs 5. Emergency Vehicles 6. Turning Left 7. 4-way Stop 8. Uncontrolled Intersections

Judging Gap Size Define gap The distance between two vehicles. Gap size depends on the maneuver being performed. Define joining traffic Is when a vehicle turns right or left into lanes of other traffic.

Judging Gap Size More than 3 1/2 blocks away More than 3 blocks away 55 mph More than 2 1/2 blocks away More than 2 blocks away More than 1 block away 40 mph 1 block away More than 2/3 block away 30 mph More than 1/2 block away 20 mph Turn left and join traffic 7 sec. Turn right and join traffic 6 sec. To cross traffic 4-5 sec.

Controlled Intersections Define controlled intersection. An intersection that has a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic signal in one or more directions controlling the flow of traffic. Define fresh green light. A light that you have seen just turned green. Define stale green light. A light that has been green for a while, or you had not seen it change to green. Video – Signal Intersection – 02:53.32 minutes

Turning Left at Signals Define unprotected left turn. Left turn made at a signal controlled intersection without a left-turn signal. Define protected left turn. Left turn made at a signal controlled intersection with a left-turn signal and/or turn lane. Give two examples of a protected left turn. Left turn arrow Delayed green light 1st video – Unprotected left turn – 00:50.02 seconds 2nd video – Protected left turn – 00:41.82 seconds – shows delayed green light version.

Turns on a Red light Define right turn on red. Right turn made at a red light after coming to a complete stop. Allowed at every intersection in the United States, unless prohibited by a sign. Define left turn on red. Left turn made at a red light after coming to a complete stop. Only allowed when turning from a one-way street to another one-way street in Illinois. 1st video – right turn on red – 00:53.15 seconds 2nd video – left turn on red – 00:25.09 seconds

Uncontrolled intersections Define uncontrolled intersection. An intersection that does not have a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic signal in one or more directions controlling the flow of traffic. Most likely found in residential areas. If you can’t see a traffic sign or signal, assume that it is uncontrolled and be prepared to yield

Approaching an Uncontrolled intersection 12-15 seconds ahead (1/2 block away) See the intersection and determine if it is controlled/uncontrolled. Identify open/closed zones and LOS restrictions 4-6 seconds away (3-4 houses away) Check your rear zone in case you need to stop. Cover your brake until you reach the point of no return. 2 seconds away (1 house) Are you going or stopping? Video – Uncontrolled intersection approach commentary – 03:03.30 minutes If two cars arrive at the same time at an uncontrolled intersection, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.

Railroad Crossings Define crossbuck. Define active railroad crossing. A large white X-shaped sign at a railroad crossing. Define active railroad crossing. A railroad crossing that has lights and/or gates present to warn drivers about a train. Define passive railroad crossing. A crossing that is only marked by the crossbuck symbol and has no additional warnings about trains approaching. Remember to cover your brake as you approach and LOOK, LISTEN, and LIVE at RR crossings LOOK – check LRL for train, train has headlights in the center of the engine. LISTEN – for train horn/engine noises If train is detected, yield to the train, otherwise it is safe to cross.

Roundabouts Define roundabout. Benefits An intersection designed as a circle, also know as a traffic circles or rotaries. Benefits Safer Eliminates head on collisions No left turns crossing traffic Traffic only comes from one direction. Video – European vacation roundabout clip – 01:05.50 minutes.

For Your Quiz What is point of no return? If your view is blocked at a stop sign what should you do? Define right of way. Give five examples of when you are required to yield. Define an uncontrolled intersection. Define a controlled intersection. Give two examples of a protected left turn.