Failure to stop properly is another common traffic infraction. Unfortunately, some drivers play by the "no cop, no stop" rules. They're part of a very deadly game, not to mention the fines involved.
When approaching a "STOP" sign, the law requires you to stop before the front of your car reaches the crosswalk or intersection.
Remember, you must come to a complete stop. Slowing down to a "rolling stop" is not a complete stop.
If you stop behind other stopped vehicles, you must stop again before you reach the crosswalk or intersection.
To compensate for other drivers not stopping properly, you should always drive defensively. Don't proceed on your intended path of travel until you're sure it's safe to do so. Double check the situation before you proceed.
It's better to be safe than sorry.
If you would like to see the animation again, right click on the animation and choose "Rewind" from the menu list.
SPEED LIMITS
Is speeding really a safety problem?
Yes. Speeding reduces the time drivers have to avoid crashes and lengthens stopping distances, increasing both the likelihood of crashing and the severity of the crashes that do occur. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Traffic Safety Facts 2002 report, speeding is one of the most prevalent factors contributing to traffic crashes. In 2002, speeding was a contributing factor in 31 percent of all fatal crashes, and 13,713 lives were lost in speeding-related crashes reported nationwide.
Speed was a contributing factor in over 33% of fatal crashes in Texas in 2000 (Texas Department of Public Safety), and raising the speed limit hasn't helped. In fact, according to research by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, when Texas increased its speed limit from 55 mph to 70 mph, the average speed on Texas' urban freeways and interstate highways increased substantially. Prior to the increase, 15% of cars on these roads were exceeding 70 mph and 4% were exceeding 75 mph. After the speed limit increase, 50% were exceeding 70 mph and 17% were traveling faster than 75 mph. (IIHS, 2003)
According to the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (2003), speed influences crashes in three basic ways: it reduces the amount of available time needed to avoid a crash, increases the likelihood of crashing, and increases the severity of a crash once it occurs.
In fact, research has shown that when speed increases from 40 mph to 60 mph, the energy released in a crash more than doubles. (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2003) Also, higher crash speeds reduce the ability of vehicles, restraint systems, and roadway hardware such as guardrails, barriers, and impact attenuators to protect occupants.
All drivers are required to obey the posted maximum and minimum speed limits. These limits are designed to provide for the orderly flow of traffic under normal driving conditions.
During periods of heavy traffic, bad weather, low visibility, or other poor driving conditions, your speed must be adjusted to avoid collisions. Just because the speed limit is 70 mph doesn't mean you should drive that fast in bad weather. Remember, driving at unsafe speeds is the number one cause of collisions, injuries, and deaths.
Try not to drive slower than the posted minimum speed.
Move to the right to allow faster traffic to pass. Always maintain at least a three-second safe space behind the car ahead.
Did you know that there are times when it is against the law to drive at the posted speed limit? Even when it says it is okay to go 55, it would be foolish to drive that fast on a road that is slippery.
Heed advisory speeds that are posted on curves.
Also, pay close attention to special zones, such as school zones, which have different speed limits at different times of the day.
Keep a sharp eye out for speeders and try to stay out of their way. The only way to tell if an individual is speeding is to have a point of reference from which to judge his speed. The best reference is the speed of your own car. If you're driving at the maximum speed allowed, and a vehicle passes you, then obviously that driver is speeding.
Remember, speeding is a major cause of collisions.
RAILROAD CROSSINGS
Here's another way drivers are killed, maimed or mutilated.
The car hasn't been made that could hold its own with a train. Common sense would tell you that when the lights are flashing and the gate is down, a train is coming and you should stop. However, a lot of people don't. Some live to tell about it but others don't.
According to Federal Railroad Administration reports received from railroads operating in Texas, there were 363 vehicle-train collisions in 2001 compared to 388 in 2000.
You're required by law to stop at railroad crossings with flashing red lights. You should stop when the lights begin to flash before the gate lowers across your side of the road. Remain stopped until the gates are raised and the lights stop flashing, and then proceed with caution.
If the gates are down and there's no train in sight, you are not allowed to go around the gates.
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Railroad crossings are indicated by a round sign. These signs are located 50 to 500 feet from the railroad crossing, depending on the speed limit of the roadway the tracks cross.
Some railroad crossings are marked with cross-bucks. Motorists should treat these the same as yield signs.
Drivers must slow down any time they approach a railroad crossing.
If a train is approaching, the driver must stop. At ungated crossings, you must stop at least 15 feet from the rail closest to you.
You should also stop within 15 to 50 feet of the nearest rail when there are flashing lights or gongs sounding, when you are directed by a flagman, or when there is any other warning device telling you that a train is coming.
This sign alerts you to the fact that you are within a few hundred feet of a railroad crossing. Slow down and be prepared to stop. If you see a train coming, never try to beat it. You have too much to lose.
CAUSES OF GRADE CROSSING
COLLISIONS
With as much warning as motorists have, it's surprising that train/car collisions ever occur. Yet they do, for a number of reasons.
· DRIVER COMPLACENCY
· STOPPING ON RAILROAD TRACKS
· DRIVING INTO THE SIDE OF TRAINS
· MISJUDGING THE TRAIN'S SPEED
· DEPTH ILLUSION
· IGNORANCE OF GRADE CROSSING LAWS
· IMPATIENCE
DRIVER COMPLACENCY
Driver complacency is the primary cause. Sometimes the driver simply doesn't pay attention.
STOPPING ON RAILROAD TRACKS
Some drivers stop on railroad tracks either because they are stuck in traffic or their vehicle stalls. If this happens to you when a train is coming:
· get everybody out of the car immediately, don't stop to gather possessions
· run at an angle that is away from the track but is also toward the approaching train to avoid being hit by flying debris if the train hits the car
DRIVING INTO THE SIDE OF TRAINS
Believe it or not, some people actually drive into the sides of trains.
MISJUDGING THE TRAIN'S SPEED
Misjudging the train's speed is another cause of crashes at railroad crossings. Large objects traveling at a constant rate of speed don't appear to change in size. Also, parallel lines of railroad tracks converging on the horizon create an illusion of depth that is difficult to judge.
IGNORANCE OF GRADE CROSSING LAWS
Some drivers are ignorant of grade crossing laws.
IMPATIENCE
Others are simply impatient. They would rather risk trying to beat a train across the tracks than wait for it to pass.
If you win, you've gained a few minutes of time. If you lose, you may end up seriously injured or dead. It simply isn't worth the risk.
SIGNS, SIGNALS, AND MARKINGS
Railroad warning devices are just a few of the myriad signs, signals, and markings used to safely regulate and control the orderly flow of traffic. To be a truly safe driver, you must know what the signs mean and obey what they direct you to do.
It would be nice if it were as simple as "red means stop," "yellow means prepare to stop," and "green means go." For example, when the light is red, you're allowed to make a right turn after you've come to a complete stop, provided the way is clear on the intersecting roadway, and provided you're not prohibited by law from doing so.
You may also turn left from a one-way street onto another one-way street. (Make sure to stop and check that the way is clear before proceeding).
A flashing red light directs you to stop completely before reaching the crosswalk or intersection, then proceed when you can do so safely.
If you would like to see the animation again, right click on the animation and choose "Rewind" from the menu list.
Slow down, cover your brake, and be prepared to stop if necessary when you see a flashing yellow light.
If you would like to see the animation again, right click on the animation and choose "Rewind" from the menu list.
It means you may move forward with caution and is used at or just before dangerous intersections. It is also used to alert you to a warning sign.
Traffic signs come in a number of shapes and colors. Each shape and color is designed for a specific function.
A red, octagonal sign means stop.
A red and white triangular sign means yield the right-of-way.
A brown sign points out public recreation or scenic places.
Green horizontal rectangles are generally for guidance or direction.
A blue sign offers a guide to services.
A yellow sign usually carries a general warning.
For example, a yellow pennant warns you not to pass.
A yellow diamond warns you of possible road hazards.
A yellow pentagon warns you that you're approaching a school or pedestrian zone.
And a round yellow sign warns you of an approaching railroad crossing.
Vertical rectangular black and white signs regulate functions such as speed limits...
...turns...
...and road traffic directions.
Orange signs warn you of construction or road maintenance.
By knowing what the shapes and colors of signs mean, you'll have a better idea of what to do from a greater distance.
ROAD MARKINGS
Pavement markings also help warn and direct drivers, as well as regulate traffic. On this four-lane road, for example, we never cross the double yellow line to pass.
And if we're driving slower, we stay in the right-hand lane.
These are typical pass/no pass center stripe markings on a two-lane rural highway.
This is how the markings look in a no-passing zone. You never cross a solid yellow line in your lane...
...unless you're on a three-lane roadway with a center lane reserved for left turns only.
This roadway marking warns you to pass with caution if you are attempting to pass.
WHITE STOP LINES
White stop lines are painted across pavement lanes at traffic signs and signals. If you have to stop for the signal or sign, you should stop behind these lines whenever they're present. When no stop lines are present, you must stop before pedestrian crosswalk lines.
Solid white lines are used for pavement edge lines, shoulder markings, channeling traffic, transitions, and lane control. Crossing a solid white line should be avoided if at all possible.
Some people drive like they live—right on the edge. But they actually leave some signage that can help us through many of the booby traps we face out on the road. From the looks of these tell-tale tire marks, maybe it's a good idea not to whip across lanes.
WATCH OUT!
If a tailgater is following you, get out of the way! You might get rear-ended.
And if you're one of the tailgaters, you're the problem--an accident waiting to happen.
PEDESTRIANS
How many times have you seen pedestrians violate traffic laws? Walking against a red light, jaywalking, walking on the wrong side of the road where there are no sidewalks? Walking against the light?
As drivers, we have a legal responsibility to protect pedestrians, even if they are violating traffic laws. We must keep a watchful eye for them at all times, even those who cross in the middle of the block, or disregard or misjudge traffic signals and walk on "Don't walk" lights.
We also should be extra careful around schools, playgrounds, and residential areas.
We should also be aware of the special needs of the elderly and pedestrians with disabilities.
And when we're turning, we always yield to pedestrians.
HIGHWAY SHOULDERS
As part of the continuing improvement of state highways and roads, shoulders have been added on both sides of many roadways.
Most shoulders are clearly marked with a solid white stripe.
Shoulders are designed for emergency stopping, standing, or parking.
You can also drive on an improved shoulder to allow other vehicles that are traveling at a greater speed to pass.
Improved shoulders also can be used to accelerate--for re-entering the main roadway after a stop, for example, or perhaps to avoid a collision--or to decelerate, such as prior to making a right turn, or pulling off the road.
Of course, you can always use a shoulder anytime it's necessary to avoid a collision.
Whenever you move onto a shoulder, be sure to glance behind you and to the right to make sure another car isn't passing you on the right.
