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. Key Idea
Slide 3
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)
Slide 4
How to identify an intersection cont. 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
Slide 5
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.
Slide 6
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?
Slide 7
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)
Slide 8
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
Slide 9
Approaching an Intersection 2 sec. ahead Point of No Return
What is this? Where is it at? What might change it?
Slide 10
Deciding to Stop Traffic signal/sign 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.
Slide 11
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
Slide 12
Analyzing Data (p.188) 1. Reading the Graph 2. Analyzing Data
3. Inferring 4. Inferring 5. Execute
Slide 13
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 dont actually
make it happen. Dont assume others will yield Better to yield to
others even if law requires them to yield to you.
Slide 14
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
Slide 15
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.
Slide 16
Judging Gap Size More than 3 1/2 blocks away More than 3 blocks
away More than 1 1/2 blocks away 55 mph More than 2 1/2 blocks away
More than 2 blocks away More than 1 block away 40 mph More than 1
block away 1 block away More than 2/3 block away 30 mph More than
2/3 block away 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.
Slide 17
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.
Slide 18
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
Slide 19
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.
Slide 20
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 cant see a traffic
sign or signal, assume that it is uncontrolled and be prepared to
yield
Slide 21
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? 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.
Slide 22
Railroad Crossings Define crossbuck. 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
Slide 23
Roundabouts Define roundabout. 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.
Slide 24
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. For Your Quiz