by Len Morse

Created on: August 31, 2007   Last Updated: March 11, 2009

"No, don't stop there! Hello? You're blocking the intersection."

Sound familiar? You may be one of the many drivers who think these very words when a line of cars extends into the middle of an intersection in front of you. Then the light turns green, but you can only travel a few feet, since the cross traffic still isn't moving, for whatever reason. It's usually embarrassing for the ones blocking traffic, and quite aggravating for the rest of us.

Why do so many drivers risk the glares, the honking horns, and the danger so often? It truly boggles the mind. Now and then you'll see drivers who are willing to wait until they can safely and completely cross the intersection, but on the whole, that's an infrequent occurrence, especially in metropolitan areas.

== Leave Earlier ==

Have you ever been late to work, a social event, an important family gathering, or any other place where you definitely needed to be there on time? Most of us have, which means we should try to plan our travel times and routes a little better. Sometimes it can't be helped (i.e. road construction, an accident) and this is quite understandable, but when you allow extra time for these unforeseen events and avoid the worry of being late, you lessen the chances of road rage. You can then concentrate more on good driving techniques and a heightened awareness of what's around you.

== Stop Sign Intersections ==

Most small stop sign intersections are easy: Whoever stops first has the right-of-way. If you both stop at the same time, the driver on the right has the right-of-way. Some states or countries may use variations of these rules, so check with your local transportation authority to be sure. Sometimes you don't have a stop sign, while the cross traffic does, or vice-versa. In all cases, making eye contact is always safer, as is waving to indicate that someone can go ahead of you, just to make sure that intentions are clear.

== Traffic Light Intersections ==

However, where traffic lights are concerned, some drivers seem to take pains to see how far they can stretch the rules, and this lack of respect is dangerous. If traffic is heavy and you're not sure if you'll be able to get across the intersection, do not pull up. Just put your ego on hold and wait behind the white line. When traffic ahead of you allows at least one car length BEYOND the intersection, and the light is still green, then you can go. Yes, it's sometimes tough to judge this, especially at a large intersection, or at night, but staying

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