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The Intersection Problem

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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

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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

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 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.

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TRAFFIC JACKKNIFING

Do you know how to handle a jackknife?

This has nothing to do with a pocket knife. We're talking about that frightening phenomenon

when a vehicle pulling a trailer, goes into a skid, the trailer swings out and the vehicle folds backto meet it.

Jackknifing is most likely when the drive wheels are locked on reaching a slick spot, while thefront wheels and the trailer wheels keep rolling. Usually it occurs on slippery roads when a

driver takes a curve too fast, or when cresting a hill too fast and finds a stalled vehicle or other

obstacle and must swerve or make a panic stop. It can happen too, with too much speed on adowngrade just before a turn or stop.

If you should ever find yourself in a skid and beginning to jackknife, steer in the direction of the jackknife very carefully. You must rely completely on steering —  but don't oversteer. Lay off the

 brakes and accelerator. Directional control is best when all wheels are rolling.

When the pavement is made slick by ice, snow or rain, the experienced driver knows what can

happen. They avoid jackknifing by adjusting their speed to conditions — especially on hills and

curves, or whenever the traffic situation suggests that a quick stop may be necessary.