When approaching an intersection:
- Try to enter the correct lane for your intended
action well in advance of reaching an intersection. Be sure to signal
before changing lanes.
- Watch for caution signs warning you of special circumstances
at intersections. For example turn restrictions, pedestrian crossings
or construction. Signs get knocked down, so beware of the drivers
ahead of you.
- Watch for other vehicles changing lanes abruptly.
Sideswipe collisions are common around intersections. Stay out of
other driver's "blind spot" where they can't see you in
the rear- and side-view mirrors.
- Maintain a safe distance between your car and the
vehicle in front of you. Rear-end crashes are also very common near
intersections.
- Be alert to brake lights or turn signals beyond
the vehicle ahead of you. Anticipate when others will slow down.
- After checking to your left when turning right,
always look ahead and right before accelerating. Vehicles ahead of
you may stop for pedestrians crossing the street. This is a very common
rear-end crash.
- Watch for pedestrians in all directions before making
a turn at an intersection. Also, keep an eye out for cyclists going
straight through the intersection, either on your right or on the
sidewalk.
- Don't adjust your radio or stereo, dial your cell
phone or be distracted by other things when entering an intersection.
Inattention is a common cause of crashes.
- If vehicles are stopped at an intersection with
no signs, use extra caution when approaching them. They are usually
stopped for a good reason.
- Don't tailgate. You never know when the person ahead
may turn or stop when approaching an intersection. Tailgating behind
large trucks is especially hazardous. You can't see around them, nor
can you see traffic signals ahead. You may enter the signal during
the red phase.
When crossing an intersection:
- Watch for cross traffic. Running a red light, intentionally
or not, is a leading cause of intersection crashes.
- Be alert to traffic from the opposite direction
turning across your lane in an intersection. Even though you may have
the right of way some intersections allow left-turns without a green
arrow.
- Don't race a yellow light. Don't assume you are
safe crossing on a yellow light.
- Always stop behind the marked stop line or crosswalk.
Keep your wheels straight and your foot on the brake while you wait.
- Don't enter an intersection if traffic is backed
up on the other side. You may get stuck in the middle of the intersection
if the traffic doesn't move.
- Don't change lanes while driving through the intersection.
If you are not in the correct lane before entering the intersection,
change lanes after you have cleared the intersection.
- Treat a non-functional traffic signal as an "all-way
stop." When you get to your destination, be a good neighbor and call
local officials about the disabled signal.
Source: State Farm.
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