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THE INTERSECTION PROBLEM
As long
as each vehicle moves in its own lane without getting in the way of another
vehicle, traveling is smooth.
But
travel is not all in the same direction. Our chosen line of traffic often must
cross the paths of other vehicles, and that's when trouble comes—the
intersection problem.
Everyone
knows that two bodies cannot occupy the same space at once, but many drivers
seem to forget that law of physics when they plow through an intersection with
little regard for the rights of others.
Do you
drivers approach each intersection with an attitude of courtesy and the
knowledge and skill to take the crossing in proper turns without incident?
Traffic
crossings will have no more terror for the disciplined driver than two
pedestrians meeting on the sidewalk. Know the rules and observe them, but if the
other driver is less than courteous—or is confused—or
ill‑informed—or even foolish—let the less competent driver go through
in order to avoid a mishap.
Knowing
what to do at an intersection is most important. At controlled intersections
with stop‑and‑go signals, one has only to observe the rules
carefully—slow down on the caution yellow light, come to a full stop on the
red light, and go only after the light is green.
What to
do at an uncontrolled intersection is a matter of judgment. If you have clear
vision of the side road and the road ahead for an eighth of a mile or more, you
can be reasonably sure of sailing on through the crossing at normal speed—but
should you keep your foot on the accelerator?
Wouldn't
it be better to coast through the intersection with a foot poised over the brake
pedal—just in case of trouble you hadn't seen? Good drivers make it a habit to
reduce speed at every intersection, stepping on the gas again only after they're
sure.
It is
important to know the braking distance, so that you can slow down in time at
intersections. If you're approaching a blind corner, your speed must be low
enough for you to stop if a vehicle appears suddenly from either side.
If
you're going 30 miles an hour. Would that be slow enough for you to stop in time
if a vehicle darted across at a blind corner? Panic stops can be almost as bad
as collisions, and if you're in the habit of waiting until the last moment to
jam on the brakes in a screeching stop, you'll soon find yourself in a scrape
you can't drive away from.
The
good driver always drives defensively, especially at intersections. Some people
insist on the silly defense of always having the
"right‑of‑way" in a tight situation. Keep in mind that if
the other driver is foolish or is in actual violation of the law, you can die in
an intersection crash regardless of who may have had the
right‑of‑way. Always be ready to give a little, or a lot, to save a
life.
The
defensive driver avoids collisions at intersections by observing all safety
rules and traffic regulations faithfully, and by approaching, entering, turning
and crossing intersections slowly and with caution. The vehicle is always under
control allowing adequate time to evaluate each situation before getting
involved.
The
defensive driver waits for the proper turn, and even foregoes the own
right‑of‑way when in doubt or when it will prevent an accident.
Defensive drivers observes other driver's signals, but doesn't depend on them
entirely. they are prepared for sudden changes of direction or speed.
The
defensive driver is always conscious of their place in the traffic pattern and
can make wise decisions accordingly. When vision is obscured by anything—they
automatically slow down.
Know
how to stay out of intersection collisions.
Safety Recommendations:__________________________________________________________________________________
Job Specific Topics:_______________________________________________________________________________________
M.S.D.S Reviewed:_______________________________________________________________________________________
Attended By:
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