Negotiating Intersections NV Driver Education Curriculum Unit 6: Mixing with Traffic Presentation 1 of 3 TOPICS: Types of Intersections, including Controlled and Uncontrolled Identifying , Searching, Approaching and Entering Intersections Roundabouts and Railroad Crossings

Intersections Video Click on web address to access video clips CA DMV Rules of the Road #6-Intersections http://apps.dmv.ca.gov/video/lets_drive/rules/intersections/intersections.htm#topVideo (2:53) Always preview video before showing to students Check content Check availability “Rules of the Road” image from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9H0yON1Xf0 Retrieved: 01/21/10 CA DMV image from: http://theraw420.blogspot.com/2009/10/san-fernando-court-defrauds-people-of.html Retrieved: 07/31/10 Click on web address to access video clips *Suggest full screen viewing

Intersections Intersections are places where roadways meet or cross and can be dangerous: Nearly half of all reported crashes About a quarter of all fatal injuries Why? Drivers fail to see and analyze intersections. Image from: http://thetransportationgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/714_NpAdvSinglePhoto.jpg Retrieved 02/10/11

Intersection Crashes There are four common types of crashes associated with intersections: T-Bone Rear End Left Turn Sideswipe Light image from: http://thecoolgadgets.com/eco-stoplight-concept-the-circled-red/ Crash images from: http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/intersection/redlight/outreach/marketing/rlr_pps022509/long/ Retrieved 02/10/11

Managing Risk at Intersections Manage VISIBILITY - scan all four corners for signs, signals, pavement marking, roadway features, vehicles, and other roadway users Manage TIME - understanding the 2 second point of no return and that you need 6 seconds to cross a typical intersection Manage SPACE - monitor and keep adequate space around your vehicle Image from: http://contextsensitivesolutions.org/content/case_studies/charlotte_s_urban_street_design/

Types of Intersections Crossroad – two or more roads intersect T – One road ends where the other road crosses Y – One road becomes two, or two roads become one Traffic Circle – several roads meet in a circle Sign images from: http://www.mydoorsign.com/Traffic-Signs/Intersection-Signs.aspx Retrieved 02/10/11

Managing Traffic Flow Controlled intersections have traffic signals or signs to determine the right of way Uncontrolled intersections have no signs or signals to regulate traffic Nevada law does not really give anyone the right-of-way. It only says who must yield. Images from: http://www.drivingschool.ca/drivereducation/page3.html Retrieved 02/10/11

Uncontrolled Intersections In an uncontrolled intersection: Yield the right-of-way to a vehicle within the intersection Vehicle on the left, should yield the right-of-way (vehicle on right goes first) Turning vehicles, should yield the right-of-way to those going straight Image from: http://blog.lib.umn.edu/jhatcher/duluthcommunitynews/2008/10/uncontrolled_intersections_rem.html Retrieved 02/10/11

Managing Intersections Videos The 60 Second Driver 4-Way Stops http://www.mpi.mb.ca/en/Videos/FourWayStops.wmv (0:60) The 60 Second Driver Left Turns at Intersections http://www.mpi.mb.ca/en/Videos/LeftTurnIntersections.wmv (0:60) The 60 Second Driver When the Light Turns Green http://www.mpi.mb.ca/en/Videos/WhentheLightTurnsGreen.wmv (0:60) Click on web address to access video clips *Suggest full screen viewing NOTE: Some on - Check access

Identifying an Intersection Search 20-30 seconds ahead for intersection clues: Street signs and lights Roadway markings Stop signs Signal lights Crossing traffic Turning traffic Pedestrians Traffic slowing or stopped Photo taken by CCSD

Maintain a Visual Lead When approaching an intersection, evaluate three searching ranges: 12-15 second range – look for signs and select a path of travel 4-6 second range – identify open and closed zones for other drivers, pedestrians, or line-of-sight restrictions 2 seconds ahead – point of no return, can no longer stop safely Image from: Driver Right textbook 2010 edition

Approaching Intersections When approaching an intersection: Look for an open path of travel Search left, front, and right zone Search 90 degrees to the left and right Photos taken by CCSD

Green Lights Be aware of the different types of green lights: Fresh green just turned green Stale green been green a long time “Walk” & “Don’t Walk” images from: http://signalfan.tripod.com/face.htm Walker (29) image from: http://www.downtowndc.org/programs/transportation/pedestrian_countdown_signals Walker image from: http://c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000ew1UbeDVSLQ/s/650/650/Chibougamau-main-street-01.jpg Retrieved 03/07/11 Nearly 1/3 of all pedestrian-related crashes occur at or within 50 feet of an intersection.

Point of No Return The point of no return is where you can no longer stop safely without entering the intersection Depends upon the speed of travel Image from: Driver Right textbook 2010 edition Decide to stop before it is too late.

Deciding to Stop You must stop when there is a: Red light Stop sign Blockage in your intended path Before braking, check your rear zone Signal image from: http://hscweb3.hsc.usf.edu/health/now/wp-content/Headline-RedLight_1.jpg Stop image from: http://namastenutrition.net/yoga-and-nutrition-blog/2010/02/page/2/ Mirror image from: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2677/4411117145_48c9c8847b.jpg Retrieved 02/11/10

Create Space when Stopping Stop where you can see the tires of the vehicle in front of you touch the road. This allows for room to maneuver or escape when needed. Images from: http://www.discoverbuenosaires.com/driving-in-buenos-aires Retrieved: 08/22/10 Too Close Perfect

Entering an Intersection Before entering look left – right – and left again Need 6 seconds to cross a intersection Intersections may change traffic flow (one-way, two-way, merging lanes) Always check! Do not block an intersection Las Vegas image from: http://photos.lasvegassun.com/media/img/photos/2010/12/21/scaled.20101221_WEB_Weather_18_t653x653.jpg?345c8960c5484952b4411b83c62d17f0ae245bc0 Reno image from: http://www.aaroads.com/west/nevada080/bl-080_eb_reno_sparks_68.jpg Retrieved 02/15/11

Signal Intersections Video CA DMV Rules of the Road #7-Signal Intersections http://apps.dmv.ca.gov/video/lets_drive/rules/signal_light_intersections/intersections.htm#topVideo (1:39) Always preview video before showing to students Check content Check availability “Rules of the Road” image from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9H0yON1Xf0 Retrieved: 01/21/10 CA DMV image from: http://theraw420.blogspot.com/2009/10/san-fernando-court-defrauds-people-of.html Retrieved: 07/31/10 Click on web address to access video clips *Suggest full screen viewing

Managing Visibility Identify line-of-sight restrictions Keep searching and predicting at 90 and 45 degrees to the left and right Identify potential hazards Pause briefly as you search Images from: http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ Retrieved 02/10/11

What is a potential hazard in this scene? Image from teenSMART Cyclist on right “Fresh” green light – notice walk sign Car on right – either parking or pulling out Oncoming traffic Red brake lights on right – parking or pulling out?

What is a potential hazard at this intersection? Image from teenSMART Green light Bus moving into traffic, may cut back to right Car on right maty speed ahead to get around bus

What is a potential hazard at this intersection? Image from teenSMART Pedestrian on left – reading paper – unaware Pedestrian on right with dog – unsure which way walking Parked car on left wheels turned – moving in or out? Oncoming traffic

Roundabouts Roundabouts are traffic circles designed to eliminate dangerous conflicts Controlled by Yield and One Way signs All traffic moves counter-clockwise Vehicles in the circle have the right of way Sign images from: http://www.cksinfo.com/traffic/roadsigns/warnings/page6.html Photo from: http://wn.com/roundabout

Traveling in Roundabouts SLOW DOWN When entering, you must yield to traffic already in the circle Never stop in a traffic circle – drive around again until you can exit safely In multiple lane circles, drivers on the right may exit right or travel straight ahead When exit, check blind spot Image from: http://dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl603/teen_htm/drivingskills.htm Retrived 02/10/11

Trains always have the right of way at railroad crossing. Active railroad crossings will have warning devices – flashing lights, bells, or gates. Passive railroad crossings may only be marked by signs and pavement markings. Sign images from: http://www.cksinfo.com/traffic/roadsigns/warnings/page6.html Active image from: http://www.seefloridago.com/images/photos/versions/098fa278-e45f-4de4-87a3-b39ed702acda.jpg Passive image from: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/REGION4/Central_Oregon_Rail_Plan/train_at_unsignalized_crossing.JPG

Crossing Railroad Tracks NEVER try to “beat” the train, or go under a lowered gate – you will lose (possibly your life) Be prepared to stop - a bus or truck with hazardous materials must stop Slow down and look both ways multiple tracks may have trains coming from both directions Stop at least 15 feet from the tracks Crossbuck image from: http://www.building-your-model-railroad.com/images/Crossbuck.jpg Train image from: http://www.moodyrrlaw.com/Railroad_Crossing.asp Retrieved 02/10/11

In 1920, Detroit was the first to use red, green, and yellow lights. Traffic Trivia Final Thoughts In 1917, Detroit, Michigan, installed the first traffic tower. Traffic officers controlled the lights. Images from: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=269735 Research from: http://www.go-explore-trans.org/2007/may-jun/history_dept.cfm Retrieved 02/15/11 In 1920, Detroit was the first to use red, green, and yellow lights.

Test Your Knowledge This sign means: Two-way intersection ahead Side road intersection ahead Slow down, intersection ahead Roadway ends, must turn left of right ahead Answer: D Sign images from: http://www.mydoorsign.com/Traffic-Signs/Intersection-Signs.aspx Retrieved 02/10/11

Test Your Knowledge At uncontrolled intersections you should always: Speed right on through Come to a complete stop Slowdown, make sure it is safe and proceed with caution Stop well before the intersection and inch out slowly Answer: C Reference: https://dmvapp.nv.gov/DMV/VR/VehResaleNotification/VehicleResaleNotificationDefault.aspx

Test Your Knowledge A green painted curb means: Loading zone No stopping or parking Handicapped parking only Parking allowed only for a limited time Answer: D