RULES OF THE ROAD

Where to begin. It seems there are so many but in reality there are not.

Turn Signals – those little gadgets by (and sometimes on) the steering wheel are meant to be used. The power won’t any faster or slower if you or don’t use them but when used properly they may save your life and the life of someone else. Remember you use the turn signals when intending to turn, changing lanes and even leaving a parking space (imagine that).

Passing Safety – remember we pass on the right! (don’t forget that turn signal) and only where designated in the road and that’s with the “dotted line” along a two way road.

Slow Moving Vehicles – Don’t just think it’s an “older” person driving it may be someone that is looking for a specific road or address. I know personally it’s a pain but be courteous. Stay in the right lane or to the right of the road (UNLESS YOU’RE TURNING LEFT) so that people may pass you and for the people behind you follow the next rule.

Allowing some space (i.e. The Two Second Rule) – pick something along the road (i.e. a tree) as the vehicle ahead of you passes it count aloud, slowly, “one thousand one, one thousand two” if you ready the “tree” before you finish, you are too close, slow down. Course in rain and snow you want to be further away. This rule allows for space for sudden stops etc.

The Right of Way – okay this one is more detailed but here’s the gist. First no matter what, it is far better to give the right of way (and let’s forget road rage) than to get into an accident.

• If you are approaching an intersection you must give up the right way to the traffic already in the intersection.
• If you are approaching an intersection from another direction as another car and have reached it at approximately as the other person, the person turning left must give the right of way to oncoming traffic going either straight or turning right.
• If you are entering a road from a driveway (alley etc) you must stop and give the right of way to the traffic on the road (and this includes pedestrians).
• Do not enter an intersection if traffic is backed up on the other side and you can’t get all the way through.
• Do not block the intersection. (I can name times each day this happens to me – it’s very frustrating I’m sure to you as well).

There are more than these rules and they are covered in your basic driver education course (so remember to study).

Traffic Control Signs and Signals – this one may seem simple. Green is go, yellow is and Red means STOP! The only exceptions to these rules are if a police officer is directing traffic and lets you go (remember to pay attention to him/her) and emergency vehicles may go through red lights but must use caution. Remember to yield the right of way which means you must IMMEDIATELY pull to the right edge of the road to clear the intersection and you must stop and remain stopped until the vehicle(s) have passed by unless of course a police officer tells you differently.

Pedestrian Safety – You must yield to pedestrians using marked or unmarked crosswalks so pay attention this also goes back to school zone safety.