Intersections

Basic Intersections

How can you manage Visibility, Time and Space at Intersections?

Visibility:

• Scanning all four corners for signs, signals, markings, roadway features, vehicles and other road way users

Time:

• You need about 6 sec. gap to cross a typical intersection

• For maximum safety, wait for an 8 sec. gap

Space:

• You have to judge a safe gap in traffic

• The size of the gap depends on how fast the traffic is going. (faster speed, bigger gap)

Signed Intersections

Intersections in low traffic areas that have stoplights or stop signs are easy to

navigate:• Follow the signs• Stay aware of other drivers and

pedestrians• At intersections with multiple stop signs,

you must give way to the driver on the right.

T-Intersections

• The give-way-to-the-right rule does not apply at T-intersections

• The vehicle traveling on the road that ends must give way to any vehicle on the road that keeps going (unless otherwise posted)

Four-Way Intersections

Junctions with a stop sign and a sign saying 4-Way Stop, 3-Way Stop, or All-Way Stop

• Require everyone to come to a complete stop

• Than, proceed in the order of which they arrived at the intersection.

Railroad Crossings

How can you drive through a railroad crossing safely?

1. Determine when it’s safe to cross• Slow down• Look for warning lights, signals and crossing

gates• Even without any signals, look both ways and

listen as you approach• Don’t solely rely on the mechanical equipment2. Stop no closer than 15 feet when a train is

approaching. (Never try to cross while the signal lights are flashing)

3. If there are no signals present, approach with caution. If there is any doubt: Stop, Look and Listen

4. Always wait for the vehicle ahead of you to clear the tracks. Never Stop on the tracks.

5. After a train has passed, always double check to make sure no other train is coming. Especially when crossing multiple tracks.

• Always Stay Alert

• If Your vehicle stalls, Do Not Panic! Try to restart your car, if that does not work, try to roll it off the tracks.

Roundabouts (Traffic Circles)

Follow these rules for navigating a roundabout safely

1. Slow down as you approach the traffic circle

2. If other vehicles are in the roundabout, yield to traffic until there is enough room for you to merge into the circle

3. Go in the direction of traffic and exit where you like

Complex Intersections

An intersection where two major roadways cross paths. Generally containing 5-6

lanes in each traveling direction.• Usually more traffic = More collisions• Crashes may be side impact, rear-end or

involving pedestrians• Elderly people generally have more

problems navigating at complex intersections

• Usually have designated right and left turn lanes

Interchanges

Where a major highway crosses another road.

Through Lanes – Allow drivers to continue through an interchange

Speed-change Lanes – Alongside the main travel lanes allowing vehicles to reduce speed to exit or increase speed to enter traffic

Ramps – Move vehicles from one road to another

Diamond Interchanges

Lower traffic with out special constraints

Cloverleaf Interchanges• Freeway to Freeway or Freeway to Busy streets

• Non stop full access between two busy roads

Trumpet Interchanges

Ends one freeway at another (similar to a T-intersection)