What are the driving precautions at T-intersections?
4 Answers
T-intersections require numerous driving precautions, which should be handled according to specific situations. Below are detailed driving precautions for T-intersections: 1. When entering the intersection: Slow down before entering the intersection. If there are fewer released vehicles and pedestrians, you can drive slowly while paying attention to yielding to them. If there are more, you must stop and wait until they have safely passed before proceeding. 2. When the red light is on: When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles and straight-moving vehicles on the right side of the T-intersection without a crosswalk can proceed, provided they do not hinder the passage of released vehicles and pedestrians. Article 42, Paragraph 1 of the Regulations stipulates: Motor vehicles must slow down 100 to 30 meters away from the intersection.
As someone who has been driving for over a decade, I think safe driving at T-junctions is absolutely crucial. From my own experience, I always slow down to a safe speed, like 20-30 km/h, when approaching a T-junction because blind spots can easily hide vehicles or pedestrians. I remember last year on a snowy day, I almost hit an electric scooter that suddenly emerged from a side road—it was only because I was driving slowly that I managed to avoid it. Now, I always signal in advance, check the left and right road conditions thoroughly before turning, especially since main roads have heavier and faster traffic, so it's important to yield patiently on side roads. If there's no traffic light at the junction, never rush—wait a few extra seconds to ensure safety. In bad weather when visibility is poor, be extra cautious: avoid sudden braking or overtaking. These habits have helped me avoid many accidents.
I just got my driver's license not long ago and still feel nervous at T-junctions. My driving instructor taught me that the first priority is to reduce speed—driving too fast can easily lead to loss of control. Before making a turn, it's essential to observe carefully, scanning for vehicles from the left, right, and opposite directions, especially in blind spots. When driving, I practice signaling early to inform cars behind me, turning slowly, and decisively yielding if another car suddenly approaches. My instructor said accidents at intersections often occur due to impatient or inattentive drivers. Now, I've developed the habit of maintaining a safe distance at T-junctions to prevent unexpected situations. Driving at night, I also noticed that faulty lights can affect judgment, so regular checks on lighting are crucial. These small actions may seem simple, but they help protect both myself and others.
Driving around the city daily for my commute, I've gained some insights about T-junctions. During rush hour traffic jams, these intersections are particularly annoying, requiring extra slow driving due to heavy vehicle flow and many pedestrians. I make it a habit to check the traffic light rules in advance—following them when present and cautiously yielding to vehicles on the main road when absent. Observing the surroundings is crucial, including the movements of vehicles in front and behind, as well as potential threats in blind spots. Staying focused while turning is essential, avoiding distractions like mobile phones. Good weather makes it relatively easier, but in rainy or foggy conditions, I double down on caution, ensuring clear visibility and reduced speed. In short, paying attention to these small details collectively makes urban driving safer and smoother.
