Intersections
Even with a green light, slow down slightly and check both sides: a vehicle could still enter from the side, or someone could run out.
Who could appear?
- a car finishing its crossing
- an oncoming car starting to turn
- a car emerging from behind another vehicle
- a pedestrian between stationary cars
- a bicycle or scooter emerging from the road edge
- police vehicles, ambulances, or other emergency vehicles authorized in the relevant jurisdiction to proceed through a red light
Green does not mean the intersection is empty
Someone may be finishing a crossing, fail to stop at their signal, or simply not notice you. An ambulance or another emergency vehicle may also be approaching.
Watch what the car is already doing
A car's first few meters of movement, a change in its front wheel's steering angle, and a shift of its body are more reliable signs of where it is going than the driver's gaze or turn signal.
Do not rely on everyone following the rules
A driver may go straight from a right-turn-only lane, turn from the next lane, or even come toward you on a one-way road. Watch where the car is actually going, not only where traffic rules say it should go.
Queues hide a lot behind cars
Stationary cars conceal people, bicycles, and scooters. If there is a passage between the rows, be ready for someone to step or ride suddenly into your path.
Reduce speed in advance
Slow down before the intersection so that, if something unexpected happens, you do not have to begin maximum braking once you are already inside it.
Be ready to brake
Approach so you can begin braking immediately if necessary and increase braking pressure quickly but smoothly. Cover the brake with your fingers in advance rather than searching for the lever at the last moment.
Do not stop next to the centerline
Where road markings are the only separation from oncoming traffic, leave a margin from the centerline when stopping before an intersection. A turning car could cut the corner sharply and hit you.
The far side of the intersection
At a wide intersection, cars may initially hide the far lanes of the road you are crossing. As you move through, check the newly visible areas: traffic could start moving there too.
Check both sides before entering
Look to the sides, at the wheels of waiting cars, and at gaps in the traffic. If a gap opens between cars, a driver from another direction may try to enter it. After a brief check, look at the road ahead again.
Keep an escape route
Do not enter the intersection with neighboring cars blocking both sides. Keep at least one clear direction where you could move.
When someone starts moving
Respond to the first signs of a maneuver: the car starts rolling, its front wheels change steering angle, or its body begins to shift. Do not wait until it is directly in your path.
Look beyond the intersection
Before entering, look at your lane on the other side. If cars there are braking or changing lanes, the clear gap may shrink before you reach it.
After crossing
Look further down the road again straight away. More lane changes or pedestrians may appear beyond the intersection.