drive right chapter 7 negotiating intersections unit 4 theory notes from mr. miller’s driver...

Drive RightDrive RightChapter 7Chapter 7

Negotiating IntersectionsNegotiating IntersectionsUnit 4Unit 4

Theory Notes from Theory Notes from

Mr. Miller’s Mr. Miller’s

Driver Education Driver Education

ClassClass

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.


• 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


• 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.


• 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.


• 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.


• 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.


• 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.


• 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.

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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=50&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=6

7.2 Controlled Intersections• Blocked View at Stop Sign

• Crossing Traffic1.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=6309493646947676806&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 IntersectionsUnprotected 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 IntersectionsTurns 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 IntersectionsControlled 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

Intersections1. Check roadway conditions as you approach the

intersection.2. Identify whether or not the intersection is

controlled.3. Identify other roadway users in or near the

intersection.4. Search views to each side.5. Locate your point of no return. You can’t stop after

passing it.6. Check rearview mirror for following traffic, and slow

your vehicle.

7.3 Uncontrolled IntersectionsUncontrolled Railroad Crossings1. Slow down and check tracks2. Turn off radio and listen3. Reduce speed to handle rough tracks4. Stop if train is coming5. Wait for train to clear. Be sure other

train is not coming.6. If safe, cross tracks at 20 mph7. If you have stick shift vehicle, shift to

lower gear.8. Drive onto the tracks only after you

have enough space and speed9. 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.


• 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.


• 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.


• 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.

drive right chapter 7 negotiating intersections unit 4 theory notes from mr. miller’s driver...

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