What to Pay Attention to at Intersections?
2 Answers
Key points to note at intersections are as follows: 1. Intersection Approach: When turning right from a minor road onto a major road or turning right on red, it is safe to follow closely behind one vehicle. However, be cautious of vehicles changing lanes from other lanes. Therefore, if there is no vehicle in the first lane but there is one in the second lane, wait until the second lane vehicle passes before turning right. 2. Treat Yellow Lights as Red: Use pedestrian signals as a reference. When the pedestrian signal indicates 'walk,' you can proceed through the intersection confidently. When it indicates 'don't walk,' lift your foot off the accelerator to naturally decelerate, giving yourself and the vehicle behind ample reaction time to stop when the yellow light appears. If there are no pedestrian signals, judge by timing: if the green light has just turned on, you may proceed; if it has been on for a while, lift your foot off the accelerator and prepare to stop at the yellow light.
I commute by car every day and have to pass through intersections, which are the most challenging spots for drivers. Keep a close eye on the traffic lights—only proceed when it's green, and don't speed up to rush through on yellow; someone might run a red light from the opposite side. Slow down especially when pedestrians are crossing, particularly near schools or during rush hours—kids can dart out unexpectedly. When making left or right turns, check the mirrors and blind spots thoroughly, as e-bikes or motorcycles can appear out of nowhere. In rainy or foggy conditions, slow down early and turn on the headlights to maintain clear visibility. Develop good habits like leaving enough space between your car and the one ahead, so you can react if it brakes suddenly. Above all, avoid distractions like using your phone—stay focused on driving and prioritize getting home safely.