When you cross traffic, you need a large enough gap to get all the way across the road. When you enter traffic, you need enough space to first turn and then to get up to speed.
• When you cross traffic, you need room to get all the way across. Stopping halfway across is only safe when there is a median divider large enough for your vehicle. Do not stop in a divider where part of your vehicle is sticking into traffic.
• If you are turning left, make sure there are no vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians blocking your path. You do not want to be waiting for a path to clear while stuck across a lane that has vehicles coming toward you.
• Even if you have a green light, do not start across an intersection if there are vehicles blocking your way. If caught in the intersection when the light changes to red, you will block traffic. You can get a ticket for blocking an intersection.
• Never assume another driver will share space with you
or give you space. For example, do not turn just because an approaching vehicle has a turn signal on. The driver may plan to turn after they pass your vehicle or may have
forgotten to turn the signal off from a prior turn. This is particularly true of motorcycles because their signals often do not cancel by themselves. Wait until the other driver actually starts to turn, then proceed.
• When you cross railroad tracks, ensure you can cross without stopping on the tracks.
Space to Pass
Whenever signs or road markings permit you to pass, you will have to judge whether you have enough room to pass safely. Do not count on having enough time to pass several vehicles at once. Be safe. Generally, only pass one vehicle at a time.
• Oncoming vehicles – At a speed of 55 mph, you need about ten seconds to pass another vehicle. That means you need
a ten-second gap in oncoming traffic and sight-distance to pass. You must judge whether you will have enough space to pass safely. When passing another vehicle on a two-lane roadway, you must return to the right side of the roadway when there is enough room between you and the vehicle you have passed.
At 55 mph, you and an oncoming vehicle will travel over 800 feet in ten seconds. That means you need over 1600 feet or about one-third of a mile to pass safely. It is hard to judge the speed of oncoming vehicles at this distance. They do not seem to be coming as fast as they really are.
A vehicle that is far away generally appears to be standing still. In fact, if you can actually see that it is coming closer, it may be too close for you to pass. If you are in doubt, wait to pass until you are sure that there is enough space.
• Hills and curves – You have to be able to see at least one- third of a mile or about 15 seconds ahead. Assume there is an oncoming vehicle out of sight if your view is blocked by a curve or a hill in the roadway. Do not start to pass if you are within one-third of a mile of a hill or curve.
• Intersections – It is dangerous to pass where a vehicle is likely to enter or cross the road. Such places include intersections, railroad crossings, and shopping center
entrances. While passing, your view of people, vehicles, or trains can be blocked by the vehicle you are passing. Drivers turning right, into the approaching lane, will not expect to find you approaching in their lane. They may not even look your way before turning.
Large trucks, buses, and vehicles pulling trailers swing wide and sometimes must cross the centerline to make turns. Do not crowd the intersection or attempt to pass these vehicles, especially on the right side.
• Lane restrictions – Before you pass, look ahead for road conditions and traffic that may cause other vehicles to move into your lane. You might lose your space for passing because of:
– people walking or bicycling on the road or shoulder.
– a narrow bridge or other situation that causes reduced lane width.
– ice, a pothole, or something on the road.
Space to return – Do not pass unless you have enough space to return to the driving lane. Do not count on other drivers to make room for you.
• Railroad grade crossing – Do not pass if there is a railroad grade crossing ahead.
• Space to return – Do not pass unless you have enough space to return to the driving lane. Do not count on other drivers to make room for you.
• Railroad grade crossing – Do not pass if there is a railroad grade crossing ahead
