Did you know…
Over the many years as an instructor for Young Drivers of Canada I’ve been asked many questions. There are certain things that people have learned over the years, but they tend to forget them over time. Some drivers never really learn some basic driving information. This has allowed me to provide the summer rendition of “Did You Know”?
Did you know…that you’re allowed to turn left on a red light, but only from a one-way street onto another one-way street? This applies except when there’s a sign stating that it’s not permitted. The purpose is to keep traffic moving along; the same reason we can turn right on a red light. Check with your jurisdiction first before attempting this.
Did you know…that a flashing red light means stop, but a flashing amber (yellow) light means proceed with caution? This is not to be confused with a solid amber light, which means stop if safe to do so. Coming to a stop at a flashing amber could confuse another driver into thinking they have the right of way. Reduce speed only as necessary and proceed with caution. It may be warning you of a hazard ahead on the road, such as poor visibility around a curve.
Did you know…a cyclist should be allowed a full lane when you’re passing them? Changing lanes early will give the driver behind a chance to see them early so they can change lanes. Squeezing between the cyclist and the lane markings could put the cyclist through a sewer groove and then bounce into the path of another vehicle. Please pass them with extreme caution.
Did you know…cruise control should only be used in light traffic and on smooth, flat, dry roads? On slippery surfaces it could reduce your chance of avoiding a skid. It doesn’t allow you to reduce speed when you come off the gas pedal. In heavier traffic, you can’t maintain your speed well enough to make it useful.
Did you know…while driving in the fog you should use low beams, or fog lights if you have them? High beams reflect off the moisture droplets in the fog. This light reflects back in the driver’s eyes and can distract their perception of where they are driving.
Did you know…that blocking an intersection is illegal in most jurisdictions? If you can’t get to the other side of an intersection because of stopped traffic, do not enter the intersection. If you do, it can cause gridlock and can greatly slow down the flow of traffic. By not entering the intersection, you can allow oncoming traffic to make a left turn in front of you and allow traffic to continue to flow more easily.
Did you know…according to the Highway Traffic Act you must stop your vehicle at a clearly marked stop line, or if none, then before the crosswalk whether marked or unmarked, or if none, then before entering the intersection. By the way, the location of the stop sign is not where you legally stop. The sign just tells you that you must stop, but doesn’t tell you where to stop.
Did you know…if your signals fail you must use arm signals to indicate your intention to stop or turn right or left? If you weren’t aware of them, to indicate a stop you extend your left arm downward beyond the left side of your vehicle. To indicate a left turn, extend your left arm horizontally beyond the left side of your vehicle and for a right turn, extend the left arm upward beyond the left side of your vehicle.
Did you know…we’re finished this rendition? How many did you know?
No surprises I knew them all, the intersection one is most ignored or unknown to many in my commutes. Traffic does move in more than one direction, simple geometry is not rocket science. It’s these behaviours I need to educate our city on while I run for regional council.
I wish I could say I followed all those rules!
I just want to know why people turn into the wrong lanes, it’s very annoying. (i.e. turn left into right-hand lane and right into left-hand lane.)
Thanks for the comment. Most people will turn wide because of laziness or just a bad habit. Some will go wide because they have to make an immediate turn. Doing a proper turn and lane change wouldn’t work because of a short distance from the intersection. Other than that, it’s purely a bad habit by the driver.
Stopping behind the stop line is the one I see most often neglected by many motorists including cyclists! The stop line is intended for larger vehicles (trucks and buses) to be able to make a right or left turn safely.