Urban

Managing space wisely in city traffic allows you to see and be seen.  Scan at least one block ahead for lights, signs, lane markings, traffic, and pedestrians.  Train your eyes to look for the right information at the right time. When planning for a turn in heavy traffic, prepare to get into the proper lane 2-3 blocks in advance.

  Hazards associated with urban driving:

• Intersections.  60% of all crashes take place here.  Be sure to do a traffic check at each one.  When a red signal changes to green, check front, left and right before you proceed.
• Pedestrians.  You must yield to pedestrians, whether or not there is a crosswalk.  Wait until they cross the street before proceeding. When approaching a person crossing the street who is using a white cane or guide dog, you must stop and yield the right-of-way.  Pull up to the crosswalk so that he can hear your engine.

Dealing with intersections:

• Plan ahead. When planning for a turn in heavy city traffic, you should prepare to get into the proper lane 2-3 blocks in advance.  The assigned lane arrow signs will help direct you to the proper lane.
• Scan ahead.  A traffic light that has been green for some time is regarded as stale, likely to turn yellow.  A pedestrian signal that is flashing red for "don't walk" is further indication that the light is about to turn.
• If the traffic signal changes to yellow, make every reasonable effort to stop safely.
• As you prepare to go through an intersection, check to the left, front, and right.
• When turning from a stop, the size of the gap depends on the speed of the cross-traffic.
• You can turn left or right from a lane other than the far left or right lane only when pavement markings and signs permit such movement.
• When turning left at an unprotected intersection, yield to oncoming vehicles.  Edge partially into the intersection, keeping your wheels straight.
• When turning left on a green arrow at a protected intersection, first yield to pedestrians and traffic in the intersection.
• Before turning left onto a two-way street, your last check should be to the left, since head on collisions are the worst.
• A flashing yellow arrow in the left turn lane requires drivers to slow down and turn if the intersection is clear. Oncoming traffic has a green light.
• The response to a flashing red traffic signal is the same as to a stop sign. You must stop, then go when it is clear.
• A diamond-shaped marking in a lane indicates that it is reserved for a specific group of users. 

An advantage to keeping a 3-second following distance in city traffic is that you can see farther down the street.

When backing out of an angled parking space on a street with two-way traffic, back slowly and look over you right shoulder as you back up.

Roundabouts:

• At a roundabout, you will most often see a yield sign.  Yield to vehicles when there is not an adequate gap in traffic, then enter when their is an adequate gap.
• If you intend to turn right at a roundabout, turn on your right turn signal as you approach.
• When approaching a multiple lane roundabout, change to the correct lane before the roundabout.
• Multiple-lane roundabouts sometimes require that you change lanes when exiting to the right.  Be sure to signal and head-check in advance.

Descending hills:

• When driving down a steep downgrade, you may downshift to a lower gear to enable engine-braking rather wear down your brakes.  Do not shift to neutral, as it will cause your vehicle to pick up speed.