NAVIGATING INTERSECTIONS

A significant percentage of traffic accidents occur at intersections.

The general rules for intersections are:

• Know your route and plan ahead;
• Slow for intersections and expect the unexpected;
• Show your intentions by position and signal;
• Proceed through the intersection with care.

Rules for Going Straight

• Slow down well before the intersection;
• Be sure you have the right-of-way;
• Be prepared to stop;
• Check for cross traffic and pedestrians;
• Look both ways as you enter the intersection;
• Accelerate through the intersection, when safe.

Rules for Making Safe Turns

Right Turn

• Slow down well before the turn;
• Get into the right lane early;
• Use turn signal 100 feet before the turn;
• Check for cross traffic;
• Look for pedestrians;
• During the turn, stay as close to the right curb as possible.

Left Turn

• Slow down well before the turn;
• Get into the left lane early;
• Use turn signal 100 feet before the turn;
• Stop and yield to oncoming traffic;
• Use caution if oncoming traffic is turning left as well;
• Look for pedestrians;
• When safe, proceed to the lane just right of the center line on the cross street.