2.3 Intersections
Intersections (where two or more roads cross or meet) are high-risk areas because they are points of conflict for traffic. Approaching every intersection requires heightened awareness and a clear understanding of who has the right of way. The K53 system places huge emphasis on correct intersection procedures.
Traffic Lights (Traffic Signals)
Traffic lights are designed to control the flow of traffic at busy intersections. You must understand the meaning of each colour and act accordingly.
- Green Light: You may proceed, but only if the intersection is clear and it is safe to do so. You must still yield to pedestrians already crossing and be aware of other vehicles. If you are turning right, you must also yield to oncoming traffic that is proceeding straight or turning left.
- Amber (Yellow) Light: This means STOP before the first stop line. You may only proceed through an amber light if you are so close to the intersection that to stop suddenly would be dangerous or cause a collision from behind. It does not mean “speed up to get through.”
- Red Light: You must stop your vehicle completely behind the stop line. You may not proceed until the light turns green.
- Flashing Red Light: Treat this as a STOP sign. You must stop completely and only proceed when it is safe to do so, following the rules for stop signs.
- Flashing Amber Light: Treat this as a YIELD sign or a warning. Slow down and proceed with caution, yielding to other traffic and pedestrians.
- Green Arrow (Filter Light): If a green arrow is illuminated, you may proceed in the direction of the arrow, even if the main light is red. You have the right of way over other conflicting traffic and pedestrians.
(Image Suggestion: A composite image showing a standard traffic light, a green filter arrow, and a flashing red light to illustrate the different types.)
4-Way Stops
This is one of the most common types of intersections and a frequent source of confusion. The rules are simple and must be followed strictly.
- The First-Come, First-Served Rule: The first vehicle to arrive and come to a complete stop at the intersection is the first one to proceed.
- The Yield-to-the-Right Rule: If two or more vehicles stop at the same time, the vehicle on the right has the right of way. You must wait for the vehicle to your right to go first.
- The Straight-Before-Turning Rule: If two vehicles stop directly opposite each other at the same time and one intends to go straight while the other intends to turn right, the vehicle going straight has the right of way. The driver turning right must wait for the other vehicle to pass through the intersection first.
K53 Tip: Never assume the other driver will follow the rules. Always make eye contact if possible and proceed with caution, even when you have the right of way. Your examiner will be watching to see that you stop fully behind the line and follow the correct sequence.
(Image Suggestion: A clear, top-down diagram illustrating a 4-way stop. Show one scenario with cars arriving at different times, and another with two cars arriving simultaneously to illustrate the “yield to the right” rule.)
Yield Signs
A yield sign indicates that you must give way to all cross-traffic.
- Action: When approaching a yield sign, you must slow down and be prepared to stop. Check for any traffic on the road you are about to enter.
- Proceeding: If there is no cross-traffic or pedestrians, you may proceed without stopping. If there is traffic approaching that would cause a dangerous situation, you must stop and wait for a safe gap before you continue.
(Image Suggestion: A photo of the triangular red-and-white “YIELD” road sign, perhaps superimposed on a view of an intersection where a driver would need to yield.)
Traffic Circles / Roundabouts
Traffic circles are designed to keep traffic flowing without the need for traffic lights. The golden rule is simple: Yield to any traffic already in the circle, approaching from your right.
Procedure for using a roundabout:
- Approach: Slow down and choose the correct lane before you enter.
- Turning Left (1st exit): Use the left-hand lane.
- Going Straight (e.g., 2nd exit): Use the left-hand lane (unless road markings indicate otherwise).
- Turning Right (e.g., 3rd exit or further): Use the right-hand lane.
- Yield: Give way to all vehicles approaching from your right that are already circulating within the roundabout.
- Enter: When there is a safe gap in the traffic, enter the circle and proceed in a clockwise direction.
- Signal: This is a key K53 requirement. You must signal your intention to exit the roundabout. Signal left just after you have passed the exit before the one you wish to take.
- Exit: Maintain your lane as you exit the circle. Remember to check your mirrors and blind spots for cyclists or other vehicles.
(Image Suggestion: A detailed top-down diagram of a two-lane roundabout. Use coloured lines/arrows to show the correct path and signalling points for a car turning left, going straight, and turning right.)