When cars were first invented and operated, roads were very primitive and undeveloped. In our modern times, however, the roads we know are complicated systems with rules that govern their use by motor vehicle drivers. The various aspects of the road, including the pavement, signs, and markings, and intersections, all contribute to the driving environment that allows us to operate a motor vehicle safely. In this lesson, we will examine these various aspects of the road and also look at the rules that apply to them. Additionally, we will learn techniques and suggestions that will help us become safer drivers for ourselves and other drivers and pedestrians around us
Pavement markings are used to convey important information to drivers and are made up of various lines or symbols. They help determine which part of the road a driver may use, where lane changes and passing are permitted, and to alert drivers of potentially hazardous conditions on the roadway. Pavement markings can also reinforce safety. For example, center-lines have been shown to cut crash frequency by 20% compared to roads without them.
Use of lanes:
Lanes on the road allow vehicles to share the highway safely. Driving in the proper lane on a highway is essential for safety.
Many roads have two or more lanes going in the same direction. These lanes are separated by broken white lines. You must determine which lane to use. Use the left lane for left turns or for passing a car ahead. If you are driving a slow-moving vehicle, entering the highway, or you want to turn off the highway, use the right lane. If you have only two lanes in your direction, take the right lane for the smoothest driving.
Traffic going in opposing directions has its lanes separated by yellow lines. If the yellow line is broken, you may cross it to use the other lane to pass a car ahead of you (but do this only if there is no approaching traffic and it is safe). When a solid and a broken yellow line are together, you must not pass if you are riding next to the solid line. Two solid yellow lines mean “no passing.” You may not cross it to overtake another vehicle, even if there is no approaching traffic. However, you may cross two solid yellow lines when turning left at an intersection or when you are turning into or out of a private road or driveway, or when making a permitted U-Turn.
Bicycle Lanes
A bicycle lane is designated by a solid white line on either side of the street, four or more feet from the curb. This lane will normally be a broken line near the corner. The words “BIKE LANE” are applied at multiple locations in this lane. Do not drive in a bike lane unless you are making a right turn at a corner or other entrance, such as a driveway. Then drive your vehicle into the bike lane no more than 200 feet from the entrance or corner before your turn. Watch for bikes before joining the bike lane
Center left turn lanes:
A center left turn lane is located in the center of a two-way street and is marked on both sides by two applied lines. The inner line is broken and the outer line is solid. If a street has a center left turn lane, you must use it when you turn left or to make a U-Turn (as long as no sign is posted that a U-Turn is not allowed). This is not a lane to use for normal driving or for passing. By law you may only ride in the lane for 200 feet (affording enough space to enter and complete your turn).
Motorcycle Speed When Passing Other Vehicles And Splitting Lane Rules
Lane splitting by motorcycles is permitted but must be done safely and prudently.
- Ride no faster than 10 mph more than the vehicles you’re lane-sharing with.
- Merge back in with traffic when it reaches 30-35 mph.
- Never surpass the speed limit.
- Lane-sharing between lanes #1 and #2 is preferred. (#1 being the “fast” or “inside” lane)
- Ride, more or less, in one lane or the other. Excessive meandering may get you cited.
- Cover your brake and clutch to lessen reaction time.
- Avoid lane splitting between two large trucks.
- Be wary of open spaces inviting a vehicle to change lanes.
- Be vigilant of other vehicle operator’s head movements; they may indicate an impending lane change.
- Monitor your mirrors, and be prepared to move over for overtaking motorcycles behind you.
Passing other Vehicles:
Following behind large, slow vehicles on a two-lane road can be annoying. When the car in front of you is operating below the speed limit, passing may be appropriate. Though passing can be dangerous, this section recognizes that it can be needed and reviews the circumstances and restrictions that help make it a safer maneuver.
Overtaking on two-lane highways involves driving into the lane of oncoming traffic and should only be considered when it is safe. Sound judgment and the ability to make quick decisions are the bases of passing – making it a task best suited for experienced drivers only. It’s crucial that you can correctly judge your speed and distance to pass as well as the speed and distance to travel for both oncoming traffic and the vehicle you are planning to pass.
Overtaking is allowed on two-lane highways and freeways, which are divided by two yellow lines with the line on your side broken. Even when allowed, use extreme caution when initiating a pass. A good rule of thumb: if you see oncoming traffic wait until you see a vehicle that appears to be still. This usually means that they are far enough away for you to safely execute your pass.
Under usual circumstances, you should always overtake and pass to the left of the vehicle in front of you. This is because on a multi-lane road, the left lane is the “fast lane” and also other drivers have better visibility on the left-hand side of the car, so it is safer for everyone to pass on the left.
Passing on the right is illegal except under the following conditions: If the vehicle you are trying to pass is making a left turn:
On a highway, in a business or residential district, if there is an unobstructed paved road to the right of your lane, and it is wide enough and safe for your car to use to pass the vehicle in front of you.
On a highway, if it is neither in a business nor residential district, if there is unobstructed paved road to the right of your lane, and it is wide enough for you to use to pass the vehicle in front, and it is clearly marked for two or more lines of moving traffic going in the direction you are going.
Overtaking must be made under safe conditions and must never be made by driving off the paved or main-traveled portion of the road.
If you are being overtaken by another car, don’t speed up out of resentment. Simply stay the course or slow down if necessary and allow them to overtake.
Overtaking is forbidden with a double yellow line, which means that it is not safe to pass. The reasons are usually apparent – and can include curves and hills, which make it too dangerous to pass since you may not have a clear view of oncoming vehicles. If there is a solid yellow line on one side of the road and a broken line on the other – you may not overtake if the solid line is on your side.
Following are suggestions for safe overtaking:
Scan for hazards such as oncoming vehicles, vehicles approaching from the rear, and merging vehicles.
Pay attention to the distance between you and the vehicle ahead. Stay a safe distance behind the vehicle you want to overtake. The closer you get to the vehicle you want to overtake, the less you can see ahead. This is especially true when overtaking trucks, trailers, and other large vehicles.
Before you pull out to overtake, check your blind spots and make sure you have plenty of time and room to overtake. Look in the rear-view mirror and over your shoulder for a vehicle overtaking you.
Signal before overtaking.
Check your speed. Accelerate to obtain a speed advantage (at least ten mph faster, but do not exceed the speed limit).
Re-check the situation ahead. The driver ahead may not realize that a vehicle is trying to overtake and may not adjust his or her speed. Wait until you have completely passed the vehicle you are trying to overtake, and you can see the vehicle in your rear-view mirror.
Re-check your blind spot.
Return to the right side of the road before coming within 200 feet of any vehicles coming from the opposite direction. Do not return to the right side of the road until you can see the vehicle you overtook in your rear-view mirror.
- Signal when you return to the lane.
- Create space for the vehicle overtaken.
Special situations:
Bridges or abutments:
Don’t pass on bridges. There is the danger of losing control and either driving off the bridge or forcing another vehicle off. Since they are usually not very long, it’s best to wait until you have crossed the bridge before attempting to overtake.
On hills:
Don’t overtake unless you can see at least 1/3 mile ahead. If a hill blocks your vision, always assume there is a vehicle coming on the other side. So overtake when you have a designated lane or after you’re over the hill. This situation is almost always prohibited due to double yellow lines or a solid line on your side.
Intersections or railroad crossings:
Don’t overtake on curves or hills, or in any other situation in which your view of the road ahead is restricted and there may not be room to overtake. You can never overtake within 100 feet of or while crossing an intersection or railroad crossing on a two-lane road.
Dangerous situations:
Long line of vehicles ahead: If the vehicle ahead is preceded by a long line of other vehicles, you may not be given a gap to return to the right lane.
Intentions to stop or turn:
Always be watching for a driver’s intention to stop or turn. The car you are overtaking may change lanes suddenly. On a two-lane road, an oncoming vehicle may appear suddenly or be too close. If you are passing one vehicle after another, the risks begin to add up.
Vehicle ahead is at or near speed limit:
If the vehicle ahead is driving at or near the speed limit, it will take you too long to overtake and it is not safe. You must not exceed the speed limit even when passing.
Sight/distance ahead is limited:
If your line of sight ahead is limited for any reason, you cannot determine if it is safe to pass.
Unable to pass before reaching no passing zone:
A “No Passing Zone” ahead may limit the distance available, causing you to have too little space to pass. The end of a “No Passing Zone” does not mean it is safe to pass. It means there is decreased, or limited visibility ahead. If your view ahead is limited, wait..
Driving through intersections
Is one of the most complex driving situations a motorist will encounter. According to the Federal Highway Administration, intersection collisions account for more than 40% of all reported crashes and 21% of fatalities. As a result, drivers must approach intersections with caution, carefully observing the laws that govern their usage.
The California Drivers Handbook defines an intersection as any place where one line of roadway meets another roadway. Intersections include cross streets, alleys, freeway entrances, and any other locations where vehicles traveling on different highways or roads join each other. The two types of intersections are controlled and uncontrolled.
A controlled intersection is one that is controlled by street signs, such as stop signs and yield signs. They can also be controlled by traffic signals.
Traffic signals are used to control the flow of traffic and direct the right-of-way for drivers, pedestrians, and other roadway users. Traffic signals are red, yellow, and green and can be solid or an arrow. If the light is solid, the signal directs forward-moving traffic. If the light is an arrow, the signal directs turning traffic.
An uncontrolled intersection doesn’t have signs or signals to assist you in determining who has the right-of-way. You must know the appropriate rules to decide who must yield to whom. We will discuss these rules in this section.
Right-of-way rules designate who shall yield when there is a potential conflict between vehicles or between vehicles and pedestrians. In general, right-of-way rules require one person to yield and/or stop and let another proceed first. It is extremely important that drivers know and obey right-of-way laws. Not knowing or disobeying these laws can lead to serious collisions.
Intersections when the signal is out:
The vehicle that arrives first has the right of way – or the vehicle to your right if you both arrive at the same time. Basically, this situation shall be treated as a 4-way stop. Suppose a particular set of traffic lights is completely out (not even flashing lights). In that case, you must treat the intersection as an all-way stop intersection.
This is all well-and-good in theory, but at multi-lane intersections, it usually results in chaos: some drivers don’t notice that the lights are out and just drive right through the intersection; others (the vast majority) can’t keep track of who turned up first and just try to slowly barge their way through. It can be a mess and if it’s busy the police usually show up to direct the traffic until the lights are back in operation.
Vehicles stopped at crosswalk:
If the car in front of you is stopped at a crosswalk, it is generally because a pedestrian is crossing. The Pedestrian always has the right of way in a crosswalk. Vehicles behind a car waiting shall also wait and not attempt to pass the stopped car.
Respecting the pedestrian right of way at crosswalks (with/without lines, right turns) and driveways
Pedestrians should be treated with respect and courtesy as they traverse sidewalks and cross streets and driveways. They do have the right of way when crossing in a crosswalk (obvious when you can see the lines, but implied at intersections without them). If you are making a right turn, the right of way should also be given to pedestrians crossing the street that you are turning on to. Use your mirrors and turn around in your car before backing out of a driveway because a crossing pedestrian also has the right of way.
Respecting the bicyclists’ right of way
Bicycle riders on public streets have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicle drivers. Although bicyclists will normally ride near the right hand curb or edge of the roadway, they can legally move left to turn left, to pass another vehicle or bicycle, or to avoid debris or parked cars. Be careful when driving close to bicycles. As of September 16, 2014, according to AB 1371, enacted under California Vehicle Code Section 21760 and also known as the Three Feet for Safety Act, you are required to allow a minimum of three feet of space between your car and a cyclist when passing. When three feet is not possible, you must slow to a reasonable and prudent speed and only pass when no danger is present to the bicyclist.
Have you ever been driving behind a line of cars and entered an intersection only to find that you are stuck in the middle? The problem worsens if the light changes before you can cross. This can result in frustration, gridlock, and collisions. The law states that no driver shall enter an intersection/marked crosswalk unless there is sufficient space to cross to the other side without obstructing the passing of vehicles. This law also applies to railroad crossings, including trains, trolleys, city transit, etc.
School Buses with red flashing lights:
When approaching a school bus that is stopped with red signal lights flashing (this means students are getting on or off), you are required to stop until the lights stop flashing and then proceed with caution. This applies in both directions except when the bus is on the opposite side of a physical barrier or divider, such as a divided highway or when on a multiple-lane road. The right-of-way is given to the bus and the students surrounding it.
Where road or lane narrows:
The vehicle with the right of way is the one in the lane that is ongoing. If your lane is coming to an end, you have to yield the right of way. Do not race to get in front of everyone in the lane that isn’t ending!
Entering a freeway:
Many freeways include an acceleration ramp to allow you time to gain speed before entering a high-speed roadway. This lane allows you the time and space to increase your speed so you can merge with the flow of traffic. Existing freeway traffic has the right of way as you merge.
Legal U-Turns:
A U-Turn is turning your vehicle around in the street to go back the way you came. To make a U-Turn, signal and use the far left lane or the center left-turn lane.
You may make a legal U-Turn:
Across a double yellow line when it is safe and legal.
In a residential district: If there are no vehicles approaching within 200 feet and whenever a traffic sign, light, or signal protects you from approaching vehicles.
At an intersection on a green light or green arrow, unless a “No U-Turn” sign is posted.
On a divided highway, only if an opening is provided in the center divider.
Illegal U-Turns. Never make a U-Turn:
At or on a railroad crossing.
On a divided highway by crossing a dividing section, curb, strip of land, or two sets of double yellow lines.
Where you cannot see clearly 200 feet in each direction because of a curve, hill, rain, fog, or other reason.
Where a “No U-Turn” sign is posted.
When other vehicles may hit you.
On a one-way street.
In front of a fire station. Never use a fire station driveway to turn your vehicle around.
In business districts. Areas with churches, apartments, multiple dwelling houses, clubs, and public buildings (except schools) are also considered to be business districts. Turn only at an intersection, unless a sign prohibits it, or where openings are provided for turns.
Traffic breaks:
Traffic breaks happen when a law enforcement officer turns on their emergency lights, slows their vehicle, and drives across lanes of traffic in a serpentine fashion. Traffic breaks are to stop or slow traffic if a hazard needs to be removed from the road, to help prevent collisions in heavy fog or traffic, or to conduct an emergency operation. If you see a traffic break occurring, slow down gradually and turn on your hazard lights to help alert other drivers. Never attempt to pass the officer or accelerate until the operation is complete.