Final answer:
To ensure safety and communicate intentions, it is recommended to use your turn signal at least 100 feet before making a turn. The presence of traffic signals helps to control vehicle speeds and can significantly reduce accidents at intersections. In emergencies, decisions to break traffic rules, such as running a red light, must be weighed carefully against potential risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
When approaching a turn, it is essential to communicate your intentions to other drivers by using your turn signal. The amount of time you should signal before making a turn can depend on state laws and driving conditions but generally, it is recommended to activate your turn signal at least 100 feet before the turn in city or residential areas. On highways or at higher speeds, this distance should be increased to give other drivers ample time to react to your actions. Furthermore, it may be necessary to signal earlier if you are driving in heavy traffic or poor weather conditions. Ensuring that you use your turn signal promptly can contribute to preventing accidents and maintaining smooth traffic flow.
Evaluating the safety of crossing an intersection includes taking into account the speed of approaching vehicles and their distance from the crosswalk. A safe rule of thumb is to consider the car length, which can vary, but on average is about 15 to 20 feet long. Using this measure, if vehicles are speeding and driving through intersections recklessly, it increases the risk of accidents, particularly if no traffic signal is present to control the flow.
In emergencies, such as a pregnant woman in labor in the back seat at 4 am with no other vehicles around, and being only 2 miles from the hospital, some may argue that the utility of running a red light outweighs the strict adherence to traffic laws. However, one must always consider the potential risks and consequences of such decisions and adhere to local regulations and guidance from law enforcement.
The presence and proper use of traffic signals are crucial for the safety of intersections. Increases in traffic accidents, including those with severe consequences, demonstrate the need for controlled intersections. Traffic signals, when obeyed, help to moderate vehicle speeds and prevent speeding, thereby potentially reducing the number of accidents.