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Intersections

Discuss the following steps for controlled intersections and uncontrolled or “blind” intersections with your teen.

Directions for Controlled Intersections

  1. When approaching an intersection with a traffic signal light, be ready to brake and keep plenty of room between their vehicle and the vehicle Even when the light is green, it is against the law to enter an intersection when there is not enough space to completely cross before the light turns red. If heavy traffic (gridlock) causes them to block cross traffic, they can be cited.
  2. Check traffic ahead and to the side for vehicles on cross streets before entering the intersection.
  3. Watch oncoming traffic for any vehicle making an illegal turn.
  4. Check for and yield to any pedestrian and bicyclists crossing at a corner or other crosswalk.

When the Light Turns Yellow

Teach your teen how to decide when it is safe to stop at a yellow light. As your teen approaches the green light, have them tell you, at regular intervals, whether it would be safe to proceed if the light were to turn yellow. Make certain that your teen consistently identifies the point at which a safe stop could be made.

Directions for Uncontrolled (No Signs or Signals) and Blind Intersections

Encourage your teen to develop the skills to:

  • Judge the speed and distances of other vehicles a t or approaching an uncontrolled intersection.
  • Safely select an appropriate space for entering an intersection where there is cross traffic.

A blind intersection means that a driver cannot see traffic on the cross street for at least 100 feet in each direction during the last 100 feet before crossing because a building or other object blocks the view. When approaching a blind intersection, have your teen:

  1. Slow to a safe speed, a maximum of 15 mph, which will let them stop safely.
  2. Look for pedestrians, bicyclists, and cross traffic.
  3. Look for approaching vehicles on side streets.
  4. Look left, right, and left again for traffic on the cross street before entering the intersection.
  5. If their view is blocked, move slowly forward until they can see clearly in both directions.
  6. If the road is clear, cross the intersection.