Overview
This lecture covers key road rules, traffic signs, and safe driving practices, focusing on laws, right-of-way, and effects of substances on driving.
Right-of-Way and Intersection Rules
- Stop before a crosswalk at a stop sign if there is no stop line.
- Yield to vehicles when making a left turn at intersections.
- At intersections, the vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right if both arrive at the same time.
- Drivers already in a traffic circle have the right-of-way.
- Wait in the center of the intersection for traffic to clear when turning left with a green light but heavy oncoming traffic.
Traffic Signs and Signals
- White arrows in lanes direct proper turning movements.
- A diamond-shaped sign warns of road hazards.
- A sign showing a railroad crossing indicates an approaching railroad.
- Orange diamond signs with black letters mark work zones.
- No U-turn, no left turn, and no stopping signs direct specific traffic prohibitions.
- A green sign with white letters shows highway exit distances.
- A rectangular sign usually indicates a speed limit.
- A triangular orange sign indicates a slow-moving vehicle.
- Hospital ahead is shown by a blue sign with a white 'H'.
Passing, Merging, and Parking
- Pass vehicles on the left, unless the vehicle ahead is turning left.
- You may pass a single solid white line only if traffic requires.
- Merge safely when lane closure or merging traffic signs appear.
- Never park in crosswalks; no stopping means only stop if avoiding conflict with traffic.
- You may temporarily stop at a no parking sign to load or unload passengers.
Driving Safety Practices
- Slow down and stay in your lane when being passed.
- Stop at regular intervals on long trips to prevent drowsiness.
- Drive within the range of your headlights at night.
- Use low beam headlights in fog.
- Think before acting in emergencies.
- After passing, return to your lane when you can see the vehicle's front bumper in your mirror.
Effects of Alcohol and Drugs
- Alcohol and drugs combined increase their effects.
- Only time reduces blood alcohol content; coffee does not help.
- BAC legal limit in NY is 0.08%.
- BAC is measured with a chemical test.
- Consequences for DUI include fines, license revocation, and imprisonment.
Bicyclists and Pedestrians
- Bicycles used after dark must have a front headlight and red taillight.
- Motorists must exercise extreme caution near bicyclists.
- Bicyclists are not required to insure their bicycles.
Important Laws and Regulations
- Move Over Law: Avoid colliding with emergency vehicles.
- Minimum speed signs are for keeping traffic flow.
- School buses and passenger buses must stop at all railroad crossings.
- Safe driving speed depends on weather and road conditions.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Right-of-Way — Priority given to one vehicle or pedestrian over another in certain traffic situations.
- BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) — Measurement of alcohol in the bloodstream; 0.08% is the legal limit in NY.
- Move Over Law — Requires drivers to exercise care around emergency vehicles.
- No Parking Sign — You may stop only temporarily to load or unload passengers.
- Slow-Moving Vehicle Emblem — A triangular orange sign indicating a slow vehicle.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review local traffic signs and practice identifying their meanings.
- Study safe driving procedures for different weather and traffic conditions.
- Complete any assigned readings on NYS traffic laws.