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Click Here for The Interactive Traffic Sign Game.
CHAPTER TWO
PAVEMENT MARKINGS, TRAFFIC SIGNS,
LIGHTS AND SIGNALS
Freeway / Highway / City Driving
A. Freeway / Highway - The increased speed required on highways does not necessarily mean an increased danger to you if you take certain precautions. When driving on open highways, you need to watch for slow-moving vehicles so you can keep clear of them. Early awareness of vehicles moving at substantially slower speeds than the flow of traffic can help one to avoid rear-end collisions or unsafe last-minute lane changes. Excessive lane changing or driving in slower lanes for prolonged periods of time can contribute to a last-minute encounter with a slow-moving vehicle. Special notes on freeway driving:
- Obey all timed signal entrance lights to assist with merging.
- Be aware of two freeway entrance lanes merging into one (double merge lanes).
- Carpool on-ramp lanes will be marked and should be observed for usage requirements.
In addition, you need to consider the following:
1. Control of Speed
Don't drive at an excessive speed where your control of the vehicle is compromised. Always travel at a speed that is prudent and feasible for conditions.2. On-ramps / Merging
Highway on-ramps are for entrance to freeways and should adequately prepare for freeway driving. On freeways, you can no longer travel at the slower speeds needed for city driving. You must increase your vehicle's speed to that of the highway traffic, using on-ramps and subsequent lanes as a means to merge into the flow of traffic at the current speed. Be sure to watch vehicles ahead for sudden stops. Signal, increase speed, and merge safely into traffic, leaving proper following distance and yielding to vehicles already on the highway at all times. Continue to signal until you have completely merged onto the freeway. Locate gaps in traffic to merge into and avoid merging too slowly or making sudden stops. NOTE: If there is no acceleration lane, you should wait for a larger gap before entering and obey all yield and merge signs. Double merge lanes converge into one acceleration lane, while a timed entrance light usually helps to regulate the flow of vehicles entering the freeways.3. Exiting / Off-ramps
Off-ramps are designed for slower speeds and are links to city roadways. Signal, reduce speed in a casual and deliberate manner, and prepare to stop, if necessary. Increases in speed should never happen on an off-ramp and is normally illegal. Exiting a highway requires reduced speed, extra caution, and heightened road awareness by the operator of the motor vehicle. Special notes on off-ramps... Exit lanes allow drivers to reduce speeds to the posted limit without affecting the freeway flow. You should yield to others when necessary while you make your way to your exit. However, if you miss your exit, you should simply exit the freeway at the next off-ramp, reenter the freeway to proceed in the opposite direction, and then go back to your intended exit. No radical maneuvers should be attempted, such as cutting across several lanes or crossing gore areas which separate exiting traffic from the freeway. Special care must be taken on a curved ramp, and speed should be decreased, as the ramps would not be safe for freeway speeds.4. Lane Changing, Turn Signals, and Visibility Requirements
Excessive lane changing on highways is not advisable, as it increases the chances for mishaps or collisions. When changing lanes or preparing to exit a highway, it is best to use a combination of side mirrors, the rearview mirror, and glances over your shoulder to get a full perspective of the margin of safety or of imminent danger. Lane changing and turning require you to signal and give warning to others on the road that an action is imminent at least 300 feet in advance. You must give warning in sufficient time to others sharing the roadway prior to initiating the maneuver. You must have adequate visibility in all directions before you make the lane change as well as an awareness of blind spots. Change lanes only one at a time. Avoid slowing down or stopping during a lane change because this could prove to be dangerous for other drivers behind.5. Slow-Moving Vehicles
When driving on mountain roads or any other place where your vehicle can impede other drivers' use of the highway, you should use the turnout to allow them to pass. Many drivers fail to use common courtesy in this type of situation. Turnouts are designed for use by slow-moving vehicles, and its drivers, after recognizing their hazard or hindrance on certain roads, should pull off and allow other vehicles to pass. Road rage in drivers often results from others they share the road with not demonstrating this type of common courtesy.Special notes on freeway driving... If you subconsciously drive too fast, allow time to readjust to a lower speed without braking quickly. Always check your vehicle's speedometer. If you encounter a tollbooth, slow dramatically and prepare to stop. Avoid lane changing when you approach a tollbooth, if possible.
6. Freeway Emergencies/Problems
Freeway emergencies can range from the unexpected appearance of an object in your lane to a collision. Whenever emergencies arise, which can be quite often, you will basically have two options. You can stop before the incident or try to steer around it. If the object is small enough to drive over without hurting your vehicle, you should reduce your speed and drive over it. If it is a danger to you or your vehicle, reduce your speed quickly, check your rear view and side mirrors to find an open lane, and then steer around the object, making sure to avoid a collision with any other vehicles around you. If it is impossible to steer around the object, you will have to stop quickly. Make sure you first tap your brakes so that other drivers see your warning, then apply your brakes. Ensure that you leave as much space as possible between your vehicle and the object to decrease the possibility of being rear-ended. When you have come to a stop, turn your hazard lights on.7. Tollbooths
Tollbooths can be a danger to drivers on a freeway. They exist to collect fees for traveling on publicly owned roads. When you approach a tollbooth, first scan the road for speed limit signs. You should slow down as you get closer to the booth. Make sure to follow the signs for designated vehicle lanes. Some special lane signs will include "exact change," "autos only," and "trucks only," among others. Find your appropriate lane, and make sure your payment is ready before you reach the tollbooth. Be cautious of other vehicles in front of you and around you that stop or change lanes at the last minute.
B. CITY DRIVING - Driving in the city requires a reduction in speed because of the increased traffic and road congestion that you must contend with. Certain precautions to take include:
- Choose the least congested lane.
- Watch out for detours and parked cars.
- Be aware of pedestrians and bicyclists.
- Look ahead for traffic hazards and signals.
1. GRIDLOCK - The following are steps which all drivers can take to help reduce the growing problem of gridlock (cars stopping in the middle or inside of the intersection, blocking the path of traffic):
- Avoid rubbernecking - Rubbernecking involves slowing your vehicle down to look at extraordinary collisions or traffic situations. The slowing of your vehicle that enables you to stare at a traffic mishap may also contribute to gridlock or even an additional collision.
- Make less frequent lane changes - Drivers seem to think that changing from one lane to another is somehow increasing their chances of bypassing bumper to bumper traffic. Instead, it merely increases the problem by causing more braking and slowing of other vehicles.
- Don't tailgate - Tailgating causes collisions, collisions cause traffic bottlenecks, and traffic bottlenecks lead to gridlock. Always leave enough room between your vehicle and the vehicle you immediately follow.
- Keep your vehicle in good working order - Vehicle breakdowns block traffic flow and directly contribute to gridlock. A simple check of your vehicle's operating condition prior to use can help avoid a potential breakdown.
- Do not enter an intersection after the light has turned red or until you can completely clear the intersection before the light turns red - A major problem that causes gridlock is a driver's unwillingness to grasp the concept of keeping clear of intersections. Road markings that warn drivers to keep intersections clear should be observed, as they are a deterrence to gridlock.
- VIOLATIONS OF THE GRIDLOCK LAW OFTEN CALL FOR SUBSTANTIAL FINES AND PENALTIES THAT VARY FROM CITY TO CITY.
2. Intersections - An intersection is defined as the space between the four curbs of the sidewalk. When there is a signal, you may enter the intersection on a green or yellow light and proceed out of it, even if the light turns red after having entered. If a driver enters an intersection on a green or yellow light, but is unable to completely pass the intersection prior to the red light, thus blocking traffic, a gridlock situation may result. Gridlock exists when a vehicle gets stuck in an intersection at a red light, preventing opposing traffic from use of the highway. Oftentimes, a gridlock violation is a parking ticket, not a moving violation.
The first line distinguishing a crosswalk marks the beginning of the intersection. Some of the most important driving decisions such as when to cross lanes, turn, or reduce speeds are all made at intersections. Intersections are a prime area for potential collisions. A marked or controlled intersection will have a traffic signal, stop or yield sign, with these signs helping to determine the right-of-way for drivers. Unmarked or uncontrolled intersections, usually in residential areas, call for drivers to decide who may proceed first through an intersection (usually the first vehicle approaching the intersection). If two vehicles approach the intersection at the same time, the vehicle to the immediate right will have the right-of-way. Remember, during the last 100 feet prior to reaching an unmarked blind intersection, you must slow down to 15 mph. Following are other things you must consider.
a. Road or Intersection without Limit or Crosswalk Lines - If you don't see a limit line or marked crosswalk, you should use the end of a curb to determine where the intersection starts and where the vehicle should stop. The end of the curb would mark the beginning of the intersection on the road where a painted crosswalk would otherwise exist.
b. Extreme caution should be exercised when approaching and proceeding through intersections. Conflicting highways, motor vehicles making left and right turns, and opposing signals all increase the crash potential at an intersection. Drivers jumping green lights conflict with drivers running red lights, often leading to collisions. By law, you must signal your intention to turn when within 100 feet of the intersection, and you must be in the proper lane at least 100 feet in advance. It is always best to cross intersections that are signal-controlled as opposed to those with only stop signs. You must be able to determine the speed or distance of other vehicles that may conflict with your vehicle, as well as the time required to complete the maneuver. Crossing an intersection completely takes an estimated four seconds.
c. Blind Intersections - When approaching a blind intersection, you must do so with extreme caution. Slow down and yield the right-of-way whenever it is not safe or prudent for your vehicle to proceed through unobstructed. If you reach an intersection at the same time as another vehicle, you should yield the right-of-way to its driver if he or she is traveling on a continuing highway and your own vehicle is on a terminating highway. A blind intersection has limited visibility and requires the speed of the vehicle to be no more than 15 mph. The reduced speed will allow for ample time to see conflicting cars and road hazards. You may proceed through and towards a blind intersection, but you must do so at a reasonably safe speed, not exceeding 15 mph. Furthermore, you must have visibility of at least 100 feet in all directions before attempting to pass through.
d. Lane Changing - Do not change lanes in an intersection, as it is illegal to do so. Conflict with other vehicles or causing other vehicles to change lanes would typically constitute an illegal or unsafe maneuver.
e. Roads with Limit Lines - Stop behind a limit line at an intersection or street controlled by a traffic light and proceed only when the light changes. At a street or intersection with a stop sign, you must stop behind the limit line. You may then proceed out into the intersection at a cautious speed to start a turn or other maneuver.
C. Crosswalk - Crosswalks may be marked or unmarked and are located at the corner of each intersection, unless the intersection is marked with a single white limit line and posted with “NO PED XING.” Crosswalks require extra awareness and caution by the driver, as conflicts with pedestrians can lead to tragedy. At a typical intersection, there are usually four pedestrian crosswalks, unless otherwise marked with “NO PED XING” signs. At a “T” intersection, there are usually three crosswalks, unless otherwise marked. At all times, a car must yield to a pedestrian in either a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Pedestrians always must be given the right-of-way, even if crossing illegally.
Lanes, Lines and Curb Markings
A. Double Yellows - Double yellow lines dividing a highway indicate “no passing” and may only be crossed for a left turn maneuver. These lines are typically four inches in width and spaced three inches apart. They divide traffic in opposing directions, and in total, measure only 11 inches wide.
B. Single Broken Yellow and White Lines - A single broken yellow line shows traffic flowing in two (opposing) directions, while a single broken white line signifies traffic flowing in two lanes in the same direction. The single broken line is most frequently seen on a two-lane rural roadway.
C. Curb Markings - The color of a curb dictates whether you may stop, stand or park at the curb. You should be aware of the following:
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D. Railroad Crossings - Preceding railroad crossings are railroad markings calling for a reduction in speed and extra caution. Stop signs, crossing gates, and flashers are all present.
E. Carpool Lanes - Carpool lanes are available for vehicles traveling with a minimum of two or three occupants, including the driver (signs will indicate the minimum number of occupants and applicable hours and days). These lanes promote ride-sharing to save fuel and cut down on the number of vehicles on the highways. Carpool lanes are marked with the words "CARPOOL LANE" and a diamond shaped symbol. You should only enter and exit a carpool lane at the designated places, and you must never cross over the double solid yellow lines.
F. One-Way Streets - Oftentimes, drivers have difficulty identifying one-way streets. One-way streets are most commonly found in cities. They are designed to help move traffic faster with a decreased chance of conflicts with other drivers. The following indicators should alert you to these areas:
- All the lane markings will be white.
- Posted traffic signs will face the same direction on each side of the street.
- Parked cars are all facing the same direction.
- At the intersection preceding the one-way street, there will be indicating signs ("do not enter", "no turn" or "one-way").
- There may be speed bumps.
G. Turn Out Lanes - Turn out lanes are designated lanes to be used by slow-moving vehicles, which enable them to pull over and allow faster traffic to pass by. These lanes are common on mountain roads and one-lane highways, and they are relatively short in length. Signs indicate where the lane will begin and the distance before you reach it. By law, if you are driving a slow-moving vehicle and five or more vehicles are following you close behind, you must pull over as soon as he or she comes to a turn out lane and let traffic pass.
Traffic Signs and Control Lights
A. Signs
1. Yellow/Warning signs - These signs warn of an upcoming hazard or change in road conditions and do not refer to present conditions. They are yellow in color and diamond-shaped. Yellow warning signs mean you should slow down and beware of extraordinary situations.
2. Stop signs - A stop sign requires that you make a full stop prior to entering a crosswalk or an intersection. You must stop before the white limit line that is normally displayed or painted on the streets, or if a limit line is not present, prior to the corner. This sign is in the shape of an octagon and is red and white in color. It is wise to check for pedestrians or unexpected traffic before proceeding forward. You must stop completely to obey the law and yield to opposing traffic. Make sure it is safe to pull away from a stop sign no matter how long you may need to wait prior to proceeding. An intersection (of any kind) is the most dangerous place on the road, so stop signs must be obeyed to help prevent cross traffic collisions.
3. Yield signs - These signs require you to slow down and allow traffic, bicycle riders or pedestrians to pass before proceeding. This sign is in the shape of a triangle. The yield sign is a signal to slow down and prepare to stop if necessary, and let other vehicles proceed first. You must not forcibly merge into traffic if a yield sign is present and other vehicles have the right-of-way.
4. Merge signs - These signs warn you that the lane in which you are driving will be merging into another, requiring extra caution and the possibility of a speed reduction or increase. Merge signs call for extra courtesy to those who will be merging into your lane. This sign is in the shape of a diamond (as are all other warning signs).
5. Regulatory signs - These signs instruct you of actions that must be obeyed immediately. Many of these signs call for an immediate slowing of the vehicle and heightened awareness of upcoming obstructions. Most of these signs are white in color.
6. Do Not Enter - This sign warns that entrance onto this roadway will be directly in conflict with oncoming traffic. If you ignore these signs, you will be driving the wrong way.
7. Construction Signs - These signs are normally orange in color and warn of a construction or maintenance area.
8. Motorist Services - These signs are blue in color and alert you to service areas such as rest stops.
9. Recreational Signs - These brown signs alert you to areas of public recreation and possible cultural interest.
Remember, these shapes always tell you the following:
Octagon = Stop
Triangle = Yield
Horizontal Rectangle = Information or Guidance
Pennant = No Passing
Diamond = Warning
Round = Railroad Crossing
Pentagon = School
Vertical Rectangle = Regulator
Click Here for The Interactive Traffic Sign Game.
B. Control Lights
Control lights (signals) are in place to alert motorists of actions on the road that may or may not be permissible. The following are some of the more common control lights and their meanings:
1. Red - You must make a complete stop at a red light. A red light calls for an immediate stopping of a vehicle, as it would no longer have the right-of-way. (A right turn may be initiated on a red light if there are no signs prohibiting it, but you must first yield to pedestrians and other vehicles. However, it is always illegal to turn if there is a sign displaying "no turn on red").
2. - A flashing red light has the same meaning as a stop sign. You must make a complete stop, and then you may proceed when it is safe to do so. It is important to observe the right-of-way rules.
3. Yellow - A yellow light warns that a red light is imminent. A yellow light does not call for a speed increase or reduction, but requires extra caution and awareness. Many factors must be considered when a decision is made to proceed or stop on a yellow light. Vehicle speed, the speed of other vehicles, and the density of traffic, among others, must be factored into your decision.
4. Green - A green light allows you to proceed, but it requires an awareness of all other vehicles and pedestrians on the road. (You should never proceed, despite a green light, unless it is safe to do so. When making a left turn on a green light, you must ensure there is enough time and space to complete the turn prior to conflict with other vehicles or road hazards).
5. Red Arrow - A red arrow is essentially a red light signifying that a turn may not be made against the red arrow. The light must turn green or a green arrow must illuminate before you may proceed. This arrow normally only alerts drivers in the left or right turn lanes.
6. Green Arrow - The green arrow allows you to make a turn and assumes you have unobstructed use of the highway. However, you should check for oncoming vehicles, bicycles or pedestrians before you proceed. Don't presume that you always have the right-of-way because you have a green arrow.
Traffic signals are in place for your protection and that of others who use the road. You should not carry a traffic signal changer in your vehicle at all, even if you do not plan to use it. Law enforcement will seize the device from you, even if that means impounding your vehicle if it is installed and cannot be simply removed. You will be charged with a misdemeanor which carries a minimum 1 year jail sentence and a $1,000 fine.