1. 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

2. Intersections Video Click on web address to access video clips
CA DMV Rules of the Road
#6-Intersections
(2:53)
Always preview video before showing to students
Check content
Check availability
“Rules of the Road” image from:
Retrieved: 01/21/10
CA DMV image from:
Retrieved: 07/31/10
Click on web address to access video clips
*Suggest full screen viewing

3. 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:
Retrieved 02/10/11

4. Intersection Crashes
There are four common types of crashes associated with intersections:
T-Bone
Rear End
Left Turn
Sideswipe
Light image from:
Crash images from:
Retrieved 02/10/11

5. 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:

6. 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:
Retrieved 02/10/11

7. 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:
Retrieved 02/10/11

8. 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:
Retrieved 02/10/11

9. Managing Intersections Videos
The 60 Second Driver
4-Way Stops
(0:60)
The 60 Second Driver
Left Turns at Intersections
(0:60)
The 60 Second Driver
When the Light Turns Green
(0:60)
Click on web address to access video clips
*Suggest full screen viewing
NOTE: Some on Check access

10. Identifying an Intersection
Search 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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:
Walker (29) image from:
Walker image from:
Retrieved 03/07/11
Nearly 1/3 of all pedestrian-related crashes occur at or within 50 feet of an intersection.

14. 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.

15. 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:
Stop image from:
Mirror image from:
Retrieved 02/11/10

16. 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:
Retrieved: 08/22/10
Too Close
Perfect

17. 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:
Reno image from:
Retrieved 02/15/11

18. Signal Intersections Video
CA DMV Rules of the Road
#7-Signal Intersections
(1:39)
Always preview video before showing to students
Check content
Check availability
“Rules of the Road” image from:
Retrieved: 01/21/10
CA DMV image from:
Retrieved: 07/31/10
Click on web address to access video clips
*Suggest full screen viewing

19. 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:
Retrieved 02/10/11

20. 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?

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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:
Photo from:

24. 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:
Retrived 02/10/11

25. 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:
Active image from:
Passive image from:

26. 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:
Train image from:
Retrieved 02/10/11

27. 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:
Research from:
Retrieved 02/15/11
In 1920, Detroit was the first to use red, green, and yellow lights.

28. 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:
Retrieved 02/10/11

29. 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:

30. 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