The driver of Car
One entered the intersection just as the traffic light turned green. But, he was not
driving carefully enough to avoid a collision. A green light allows you to proceed only
if it is safe to do so.The driver of Car One should not have assumed the
intersection would be clear. He should have slowed down and checked in both directions
before proceeding.
A green light does not guarantee the intersection will be clear. Any one of the
following drivers could be there:
 |
A driver who was trapped in the intersection before the
light changed. |
|
A driver who tried to "beat the light" at the last
second. |
|
A driver who didn't notice the light change until he was too
close to stop. |
|
A driver who was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. |
|
A driver whose car had poor brakes or tires.
|
The driver of Car One did
not have his seat belt or shoulder
harness fastened before he started
driving. When the car stopped due
to the impact, he kept moving, hitting
the steering wheel and windshield.
When there is an accident, seat belts
and shoulder harnesses are the best
possible protection for everyone in
the car. But they only protect when
people wear them.
The driver of Car Two helped cause the accident.
Although he saw Car Three turning
left, he entered the intersection
on the yellow light. He knew
he was going to be "trapped"
in the middle of the intersection.
But, he didn't want to wait half a
minute for the next green light. For
that, he risked his life and that
of another person.
Here is an example of another intersection
trap:
A driver starts to make a left turn. Suddenly, he sees a pedestrian crossing the side
street and is forced to stop in the path of an oncoming car -- always check your path
ahead and make sure it is clear before you start to turn.
Rule Number 1
Never enter an intersection unless you are sure it is safe, even if you have the green
light. A green traffic light does not guarantee that it is safe to enter an intersection;
a red traffic light does not automatically stop all approaching vehicles. Be particularly
careful just after the light has changed.
Rule Number2
Do not enter an intersection unless you are sure you can make it all the way through at
a safe rate of speed. Any time you have to stop in an intersection, you run the risk of
being struck by another car.
Rule Number 3
Fasten your seat belt and shoulder harness before you start your car. You will not have
a chance to do it before a collision.
