Transcript Document

Drive Right
Chapter 7
Negotiating Intersections
Unit 4
Theory Notes from
Mr. Miller’s
Driver Education
Class
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
7.1 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.
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.
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=4342246824106778562
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=7308088299049311046
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?docid=6309493646947676806
&q=california+dmv&total=91&start=40&num=10&so=0&type
=search&plindex=6
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=4342246824106778562&q=california+dmv&total=89&start=5
0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=6
7.2 Controlled Intersections
• Blocked View at Stop Sign
• Crossing Traffic
1. Look around and search at a
45 degree angle. Search left,
front and right.
2. Check your path of travel for
pedestrians and vehicles.
3. Stop with your front bumper
even with the curb.
4. When you have an opening in
all zones, proceed with
caution.
7.2 Controlled Intersections
• Joining Traffic – Right Turn
1. Search for pedestrians. Check
zones and stop.
2. Stop at stop line. Search and
proceed with caution.
3. Complete your turn so you end
up 3-4 feet from curb.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=630949364694767
6806&q=california+dmv&total=91&start=40&num=10&so
=0&type=search&plindex=6
7.2 Controlled Intersections
• Joining Traffic – Left Turn
1. Search all zones for pedestrians
and vehicles.
2. Stop when your front bumper is
even with stop line.
3. Complete your turn and
accelerate to adjust to traffic
speed.
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.
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
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.
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.
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=8150493125638695973&q=california+dmv+failure+to+yield
&total=11&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=6
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!
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
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
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.
7.3 Uncontrolled Intersections
Uncontrolled Railroad Crossings
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.