Question

1. When you plan to change lanes, turn, or enter or exit a highway, first give the proper turn signal. Using your turn signal, which is required by law, communicates your intended movement to drivers around you. Develop a good habit and use turn signals or hand signals even if no other traffic is on the road.

2. When you plan to turn, signal three or four seconds, 100 feet, ahead of your turn. Be aware that drivers planning to turn into your lane may not know exactly where you will turn; drivers may pull out in front of you. Be alert.

3. After you complete the turn or lane change, be sure the turn signal stops flashing.

Answer 1

The question emphasizes the need for a traffic signal at an intersection to regulate vehicles' speeds, ensure pedestrian safety, particularly for students, and to reduce the frequency of accidents, some of which have been fatal. It also touches on the psychological impact of perceived surveillance on driving behavior and the calculations needed for safe pedestrian crossing.

Step-by-step explanation:

Importance of Traffic Signals for Safety

The question highlights various concerns related to road safety at an intersection, emphasizing the necessity of a traffic signal. Vehicles often disregard the speed limit, which a traffic signal could help to mitigate by forcing them to slow down. Moreover, the safety of pedestrians, especially students, is compromised as they need to navigate through traffic to cross the road. The installation of a traffic signal could provide them with safe crossing times.

Additionally, the frequency of accidents at this intersection has surged beyond acceptable levels, with police reports indicating occurrences of traffic accidents at least three times a month, occasionally with fatal outcomes. This situation underscores the urgency for corrective measures such as traffic signals.

In addressing road safety, it is crucial to understand driving behavior, which can significantly alter when drivers feel observed, such as when followed by a police car. This psychological aspect of driving indicates that the presence of traffic signals can inherently induce more cautious driving habits.

Finally, to ensure safety for crossing roads, one must consider the dimensions of vehicles and their speeds, calculating the required time and distance for pedestrians to cross without risk. This is an aspect of road safety that can be taught in educational settings.