by Dallas Brown

Created on: June 22, 2009   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

Driver safety takes an important 'turn' at intersections, even if you go straight. First, recognize that most intersections are built at right angles, but there are exceptions. These exceptions will produce more blind areas for drivers. Caution, as always, is called for.

There are three or four types of intersections on the roads. Most are found in neighborhoods, yet some of these will also be found near highways. One type is non-controlled, four-way intersection with no signs governing who is to yield. Using the right before left principle, it is normal to yield to the driver on the right, if two cars arrive at the intersection together.

Carry the concept a step further to four-way intersections with signs. Usually, a yield or stop sign will stop traffic from two opposite sides. If you are on the clear path, you still practice caution. Assume someone may make a mistake, and let it not be you.

T-Bar intersections are simple. Even if there are no signs, the "cross bar" has the right of way. Whether neighborhood or highway, the one coming up to the "cross bar" must yield to all.

Light-controlled intersections call for other rules. Red means stop. Green means go. It is surprising to see the amount of drivers who do not understand these rules. They surely do not get the next one; yellow means slow down to stop, because in two seconds, it will be red. Yellow does not mean floor it! You'll make it.

Still, since you know some people think this way, when your light turns green, proceed with caution. Still follow your mother's rule first - yield to big trucks and stupid people, and all combinations of the two.

Learn the chain of command at lights. If power fails, no lights show. Treat this as a stop sign and wait until it is safe to proceed. If officers are present and directing traffic, do exactly as they signal you. If they shake their head no, indicating no left turn is available, do not try to turn left.

Also, if water covers a road you likely have no idea how deep it is with certainty. Back up, turn around, and find a different way. It's better than drowning!

Four vehicles arrive together at a four-way stop: A police car, fire truck, ambulance, all with lights going, and a U.S. mail truck. The old urban myth goes to the mail truck first. Still, common sense would say that the other three usually are headed for a common destination.

It should progress with the fire truck, then the ambulance, then the police. The fire truck is first since victims may still be trapped somewhere. The ambulance is close behind, and police usually investigate later. Still, the policeman will have the final authority, depending on the danger involved. When you, as a common driver, see these red lights coming, yield completely.

Safety rules usually employ common sense. Use yours, and stay safe.

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