OCR Text |
Show Care At Intersections Needed To Curtail Traffic Fatalities One of the danger zones where a lar& number of accidents constantly con-stantly occur is at highway intersections. in-tersections. Often unnoticed, or unheeded, the intersection of highways is the daily scene of death and destruction by motor vehicle collision. Safety while traveling through or turning at an intersection depends de-pends upon the alertness and skill of the driver and the observance ob-servance of a few simple rules. At highway intersections, the vehicle on the right usually has the right of way if both reach the intersection at the same time and are driving at a lawful rate of speed, but a safe driver never demands the right of way if an accident appears imminent. Safety specialists recommend the following precautions at intersections: in-tersections: Always sacrifice the right of way for safety; When entering or crossing a main highway, give the right of way to all vehicles ve-hicles on that highway, whether approaching from the right or left; Always give the right of way to pedestrians; Come to a full stop and yield the right of way whenever approaching a "stop" sign. Stop at a point where there is a clear view of the main highway. Give the right of way to all police cars, fire apparatus, ambulances am-bulances and other vehicles signalling sig-nalling with a gong, siren or flashing light, notwithstanding traffic lights, stop signs, etc. Drive to the curb if practicable, or if required by law; Give the right of way to funeral processions; proces-sions; Yielding the right of way to bicycle riders is a safe and considerate practice. Before making a right or left turn the driver should observe the following: Giving hand signals sig-nals or use mechanical signal device. de-vice. (In some states both are required); Slow dowh at a safe distance from where a turn is to be made, give appropriate signals sig-nals and ease over into the proper pro-per lane; Look both ways at an intersecting highway before entering en-tering into it; When making a right turn, stay as close to the right as possible until turn is completed. When making a left turn, get into position on, or as near as practicable to, the center cen-ter of the highway so that motorists motor-ists behind will not pass you on the left; Yield the right of way to all motorists coming from the opposite direction whom the turn might block or hinder. These rules of the road are necessary to insure safe, comfortable com-fortable and efficient transpor- tation. Some of them may, at times, seem over-stressed or unnecessary, un-necessary, but experience has proved that motorists who observe ob-serve them, who respect the law, and who have a genuine sense of responsibility, have far greater great-er chances to avoid serious accidents. ac-cidents. The privilege of driving an automobile carries with it the obligation to observe safe driving practices, to show courtesy cour-tesy to other users of the highways high-ways and to cooperate with law enforcement authorities at all times. |