Unit 5IntersectionsJudging Gaps

Urban vs Rural DrivingExpressway Driving

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZ5CdUHfIRk

Think*Pair*ShareIn a group of 2-3 write down 4-6 things that might require your

attention to safely navigate through a intersection.

Why do you think the chances of a collision are greater at an

intersection than at any other point on the roadway????

INTERSECTION FACTS:

• The chances of a collision are greater at intersections than at any other point on a roadway.

• Intersections are dangerous because many drivers cross paths there, and many unexpected stops occur there.

• More than one-third of all collisions and one-fourth of all fatal collisions take place at intersections.

• One reason for the large number of collisions at intersections is the driver’s failure to identify a safe path of travel through the intersection.

INTERSECTION FACTS: (CONT)

• Remember, you are not allowed to make lane changes within an intersection

• Many intersection accidents occur because drivers fail to look left and right before entering an intersection.

• City Streets and road have the highest number of hazards per mile.

“Y”, “T”, “+” “Traffic Circle”

Major Intersection

What type of intersection is this?What must you do at this intersection?

close to yellow line

Where should you position your vehicle?

Turn leftTurn left

What type of intersection design is this??

You are approaching a large circle intersection, with an inner lane and an outer lane. These are often confusing, exercise caution.

You are approaching a large circle intersection, with an inner lane and a outer lane. These are often confusing, exercise caution.

It is usually better to stay in the outer lane, this way, you won’t miss your exit.

Approaching An Intersection

Plan a path of travel• Check Left front, center front, and right front. • 4-6 seconds - 1 block from the intersection widen your

visual scan. WHY?• Be ready to change path of travel to ensure safety.

Line of Sight Restrictions: Prevent you from seeing into your intended path of travel.

1. Can be caused by the environment or by other highway users. 2. When line of sight is restricted check your zones more often.

POINT OF NO RETURN1. Point of no return = When you have gone beyond the point at which you can stop safely.2. Once you pass the point-of-no-return you should continue through the intersection

LANE CHANGES:1. When your path of travel is closed and there is a line-of-sight restriction, a lane change may be needed.2. Blind spot check: ALWAYS check over the shoulder in the direction you will move before you move!!

7.2 CONTROLLED INTERSECTIONS:Protected by a signal or sign.

Regulates trafficThe two kinds of signs that control intersections are: 1. Stop2. Yield

Use the information on pages 134-135 and the pictures on page 135 in your book to draw each

step for each of the situations below. Use arrows to indicate where your eyes should be focused at

each position. Crossing Traffic

What would you do if…………..

Like the bus in the intersection, you want to turn left…

…will you now follow this bus and complete your turn?

The arrow is not on and

you have poor visibility.

Why not?

At many traffic light intersections, sensor boxes embedded into pavement will detect your

presence and give you the protected green arrow.

(many have magnetic sensors which detect the metal of the vehicle)

We did not get there soon enough to activate the pavement sensors.

We’re moving in this left turn lane toward the intersection. The on-coming cars have already started.

Why did we not get the protected arrow?

If the light turned yellow you would be at the point of _____________.

Why might this light turn yellow? The silver car is sitting

over the traffic light sensors.

What should you be doing at this intersection?

Stale green…coast and cover brake in case light turns.

Traffic Signals:

1. Usually have 3 lights to each cycle; Red, Yellow, and Green

2. Can also have a 4th or 5th light; Yellow arrow, Green arrow.

VOCABULARY (PAGES 134-137) Define each of the terms below in your own words.

TURNS ON RED

1.All states permit turns on red unless signs are posted otherwise.

2.You must come to a complete stop before making a turn on red.

3.You must yield the right of way to any vehicle or pedestrian in, or approaching the intersection.

4.Your last visual scan should be in the direction of your intended path of travel.

5.Left on RED is permitted if the turn is from a one way street onto another one way street.

Controlled Railroad Crossing:

Have flashing red lights along

with crossing gateshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLqFvZlykng

7.3 UNCONTROLLED INTERSECTIONS: Has no signs or signals to regulate traffic. They are usually found in residential areas of light traffic.

In your own words, briefly describe the potential dangers associated with an

uncontrolled intersection.

RULES FOR UNCONTROLLED INTERSECTIONS:1. When approaching an uncontrolled intersection always

check to the left first and last!!2. Never assume that other traffic will stop or follow the rules

of the road.3. Be sure that you can clearly see to the right and left. 4. Always let others go first.

UNCONTROLLED RAILROAD CROSSING: Do not have flashing red lights or crossing gates. However, nearly all are marked with a crossbuck and round yellow R/R sign

Rules For Crossing Uncontrolled Railroad Tracks1. Slow down. Check tracks to both sides and traffic to the rear

as you approach crossing sign.2. If a train is approaching, stop at a safe distance before the

tracks.3. When following school buses or trucks hauling flammable

contents, be prepared to stop. Many states require such vehicles to stop before crossing railroad tracks.

4. Proceed only after you have enough space and speed to clear the tracks. Make sure any vehicles ahead clear the tracks before you start to cross. Never stop on a railroad track while waiting for traffic to move.

5. When following a school bus or truck hauling flammable contents, be prepared to stop. Many states require such vehicles to stop before crossing railroad tracks.

What have you noticed about the situation up ahead?

There is no room on other side of the tracks.

7.4 DETERMINING THE RIGHT OF WAY AND JUDGING GAPS

1. You have the right of way ONLY when other drivers give it to you. It is NOT something you can take.

2. You may need to yield to avoid a collision or to be courteous.

3. Most of the time laws determine who should yield the right of way.

SITUATIONS WHERE YOU MUST YIELD: Use the pictures and information on pages 142-143 in your

Drive Right book to list what and who you must yield for in each of situation listed below.

JUDGING THE SIZE OF A GAP**You must be able to judge the gaps between vehicles and how long it takes to pass through or enter intersecting traffic lanes.**Gap = the distance between vehicles.**Crossing through traffic intersections, requires you to judge the size of gaps in traffic going in both directions.**When joining traffic, the size of the gap required increases as the speed of traffic increases.

Use the chart on page 144 in your book to complete the chart.

THINK * PAIR * SHARE

In a group of 2 to 3 people, write down at least 5 words that could be used to rural traffic/hazards and 5 words that could describe urban

traffic/hazards.

Rural = Country Urban = City

In your opinion is it safer to drive in a rural setting or an urban setting? WHY?

Statistically speaking there were more traffic deaths in RURAL settings.

In 2012 there were almost 3000 more deaths in RURAL areas than URBAN!!

List the 2 main factors that make urban driving difficult: 1. Traffic is more dense (more cars, buses, trucks,

people).2. Hazards are closer to drivers

Work quietly to complete the following:1. Using pages 178 and 179 in your book,

complete the table on page 11 of your packet.

2. Complete the activity at the bottom of page 11 in your packet.

3. Complete the drawing and short description chart on “Urban Driving” on

page 12 of your packet.

Chapter 11: Driving on Expressways Expressways 1. Controlled access highways 2. Vehicles can enter and leave only at interchanges.3. Also include

a. Freewaysb. Turnpikesc. Toll roads

Advantages of Expressways •Fewer are crashes because • NO cross trafficMedian or barrier in the middleNO pedestrians or slow vehicles allowedSigns telling people what’s ahead Wide shoulders

INTERCHANGES

A series of exit and entrance ramps onto the expressway

How to drive SAFE on the expressway

• Prepare yourself and your car• Slowly build expressway experience

• Concentrate on driving

• Cooperate with other drivers and construction crews

CHAPTER 11 EXPRESSWAY INTERCHANGES

VOCABULARY – (PAGES 222 – 223)

In your own words, explain the 4 types of expressway interchanges, then draw a picture of them.

THEN

Complete the 2 charts at the top of page 15 in your packet

Safe Driving Tip: Traveling at the same speed as other traffic on the expressway does not mean that you should keep up with drivers who are exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for conditions.

Chapter 11: Driving on Expressways THERE ARE GENERALLY 3 LANES TRVELING IN THE SAME DIRECTION ON AN EXPRESSWAY, KNOWING WHAT EACH IS GENERALLY USED FOR IS IMPORTANT:

RIGHT: “Slow lane” = Many exit and entrance ramps connect to this laneCENTER: For passing and faster trafficLEFT: For high speed traffic and passing

*Most stressful lane because of aggressive drivers.

What do you think?

Some states DO NOT have a maximum speed limit. Should all states be required to post maximum speed limit signs on

expressways? Why or Why not?

Minimum Speed Limit = a sign posted telling drivers the slowest that they can go.

Common Speed = the speed that most vehicles are traveling that is usually above the speed limit

Wolf Pack = a bunch of vehicles bunch together

that you should AVOID.Yellow speed limit signs are found on the exit and entrance ramps of the expressways. They are a suggested speed in

order to handle the curve of the road.

FINISHING THE PACKET……

1. Complete: “Making a lane change on the expressway Pg. 232-233 (page 16 in packet)

2. Complete: Expressway Exits Chart & Draw picture (top of page 17 in packet)

3. Complete “Vocabulary T-Chart using information on page 238-239 in book (bottom of page 17 in packet).