The Intersection Problem
-
Upload
michael-huffman -
Category
Documents
-
view
214 -
download
0
Transcript of The Intersection Problem
-
8/13/2019 The Intersection Problem
1/4
The Intersection Problem
TOOLBOXTOPICS.COM
Company Name __________________________ Job Name __________________________
Date________
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
-
8/13/2019 The Intersection Problem
2/4
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
-
8/13/2019 The Intersection Problem
3/4
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.
-
8/13/2019 The Intersection Problem
4/4
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.