Sharp Drive Talk About Intersections

Crashes at intersections are the third most common cause of road deaths and serious injuries. Because they often involve side impacts, low speed intersection crashes can have severe or even fatal consequences. The three main causes of intersection crashes are – not checking properly, not stopping or giving way, and travelling too fast. Your safety at intersections is determined by good decision making, based on careful, thorough searching, accurate knowledge of the give way rules, patience, and not taking risks.

Stay alert at familiar intersections as they can be the most dangerous because of ‘auto pilot’ driving. Vehicles approaching in the curbside lanes can be mistaken for parked cars. Bikes and motorbikes can also be hard to see, and have a much higher crash rate. You should also watch for pedestrians suddenly stepping out. Drivers involved in intersection crashes often say, “I looked but I didn’t see it.”

Poor knowledge of the road rules causes indecision and unncessary delays for yourself and other road users. Road rules continue to change so make sure your knowledge is up to date. Intersection rules also apply in carparks, business entrances and private driveways. Always stop at Stop signs, slow down approaching Give Way signs, and if in doubt, always stop.

It goes without saying you should never run a red light. Amber means stop, not speed up, and always stop unless you are too close to stop safely. Green means go, only if it is safe to go. Think before going through the light.

Don’t block intersections. Only enter the intersection when you can get right through it, and stop behind the white lines. Be considerate. Rolling forward is unsafe, and blocks the view of the driver beside you. When waiting to turn off a road, always keep your wheels pointing straight ahead. If you get hit from behind, your car will go where the wheels are pointing. If they are turned, you will be pushed into the oncoming traffic.

When entering a motorway, or where two lanes go into one, always merge ‘like a zip’. A flush median is a lane painted with white diagonal lines. Many drivers wrongly think they mustn’t drive over the white lines. Learn when and how to use them properly for turning, or merging in and out of the traffic flow.

Don’t let time pressures or other drivers push you into taking risks. Approaching intersections, slow down and observe the traffic conditions. Indicate well in advance, at least three seconds. Be helpful to other drivers waiting at the intersection, and give them as much warning as possible. Take a second look before moving off. Expect that other drivers may run Amber or Red lights, and exceed the speed limit. Be patient and be safe at intersections.

For more information on online driver training, online driving class and advanced driver training please go to http://www.sharpdrive.co.nz .

For more information on online driver training, fleet driver training Australia and Australian corporate driver training please go to http://www.sharpdrive.co/ .