From school and kindergarten times, we were scared of intersections. After all, they are so dangerous. In fact, if these sections are crossed correctly, then they are no worse than any other road. But you need to be especially careful. However, as elsewhere on the roadway. But what are crossroads? What are they like? How is it necessary to move so that such an unpleasant event as an accident at an intersection does not happen?
What it is?
An intersection is an intersection of several roads that run mostly perpendicular to each other. Such a site is found in those places where several streets intersect. This is a fairly simple formation, which is really fraught with increased danger.
Therefore, it is very important to comply with the requirements of the intersection of these sections. This is especially true for unregulated intersections. But we will talk about them below.
Classification
Crossroads have certain types. It is very important not to confuse them with the adjacent territory. These are completely different concepts, and in the SDA they have their own sections. There are four main types of intersections:
- Quadrilateral and X-shaped. This is a fairly common type of intersection, which allows you to combine two long streets.
- T-shaped. Such intersections appear where one street ends, and there is a need to move to another. Very often T-junctions have a main and a secondary road. However, there are exceptions. It is also possible that the “leg” of the letter “T” becomes not perpendicular to another road, but at an angle.
- Multilateral. Such crossroads become necessary when large areas connect with streets, where traffic is always quite intense.
- Circular. The most beautiful, functional and safe form of intersections.
We will consider only three types of them. In general, a crossroad is a section of the road that can vary significantly in different countries. Therefore, today we will consider the main types of such road formations.
Cruciform intersection
A cross-shaped or X-shaped intersection are two varieties of four-way intersections. They are characterized by such features:
- Two roads intersect, which is quite a bit compared to Western countries. However, we also have large road formations, through which many roads connect. However, when we talk about crossroads, we mentally represent precisely this type.
- Potential threats are usually either on the left or behind when the car is moving. However, for the next type of intersections, this item also applies. But in roundabouts, cars are usually threatened to the right, as there is an exit from a secondary road to the circle. This nuance must be taken into account.
- Perhaps the presence of the main road, which is given priority when driving. In principle, the same applies to the T-junction.
Recognizing this type is very simple. To do this, just look at the number of intersecting roads.
T-junction
Less dangerous are T-junctions. At the same time, they retain all the features of the previous type. When speaking of lesser danger, we mean a pedestrian. How can this type of intersection be recognized?
- Two roads connect, but one of them has no continuation.
- Traffic at this intersection occurs only to the right, while in previous cases the driver can go forward or turn left.
- When viewed from above, such an element of the road really resembles the letter "T".
Roundabout
Quite rare, but no less interesting is the roundabout. This is the safest place compared to other sections of the road. This is due to a special circular type of movement. The driver slows down before driving on this type of road connection, which makes him more likely to maintain control of his car in difficult times.
This type has a huge number of advantages:
- Crossroads allow you to enjoy beautiful small architectural forms or various flower beds. This is especially true in the summer. Of course, this is a trifle, but, agree, pleasant. Beauty has not recently become less appreciated, so this is a frank plus of this type.
- There is no need to regulate such intersections due to the fact that a separate part of the route is provided for access to the main road. It is very convenient, and most importantly - almost safe.
- Departure by car to the desired street is as comfortable as possible. No need to wait for the cars to pass. Traffic can be started at any time thanks to a special road marking system . Actually, this item can be combined with the previous one.
In general, roundabouts are one of the best ways to connect roads. Moreover, they have such a drawback as a large area. The types listed above are much more compact than roundabouts. But at the same time, the circle itself, which forms the basis of the latter, allows you to create a good decor of the adjacent territory. That is why the passage of intersections of this type is so pleasant.
Types of Crossroads
The classification does not end there. The knowledge of what the main types of road formations data are allows to study in more detail the passage of intersections in all its possible variations. All intersections, regardless of type, are divided into adjustable and unregulated.
Adjustable intersections
This type is safer and usually densely packed with machines. That is, road traffic is much better expressed at regulated intersections. As a rule, traffic control here is carried out in two ways:
- A traffic light is the best option. But since this is electronics, sometimes a person may encounter interruptions in his work.
- Traffic controller. It controls the intersection when the traffic light does not work. Here it is necessary to understand his movements. He takes a special pose, which indicates who should stand and who is allowed to ride.
The mechanism of operation of these intersections is very simple. While one street is driving, cars are standing on another. Thus, the risk of accidents when crossing intersections is significantly reduced.
Unregulated Crossroads
Unregulated intersections are far from always at the intersection of two streets with little traffic. If a large number of cars move on the roads, then ideally, of course, there should be either a traffic light or a traffic controller. But in practice, intersections with active traffic are often unregulated. Accordingly, the number of traffic accidents on them is much larger, and they are quite dangerous.
An unregulated intersection is allowed only when a small number of vehicles pass it.
The difference between the intersection and the adjacent territory
It is important to be able to distinguish a crossroad from adjacent territory. Crossing roads has its differences not only in appearance or other surface features, but also with regards to the rules of behavior of a motorist. There are rules for a specific type of road. A traffic intersection is considered as an independent formation, which is not combined with any street object. In turn, the adjoining territory belongs to some kind of house. This is the difference.
At times, there are situations when it is difficult to determine which type represents a particular element of the road. In this case, do not forget that we are still dealing with a crossroads, and we need to behave in such a way as not to provoke an accident. Strict compliance with the rules is necessary for the following reasons:
- Police officers like to interpret inaccuracies in traffic rules (the intersection, it should be recalled, according to the rules of the road is a zone of increased danger against the background of other roads) is clearly not in your favor. Therefore, in all difficult situations, they will assume that you did not move correctly at the intersection. Be sure to consider this feature.
- If this really turns out to be a crossroads, then you will be more safe than sorry if you behave as if it is just an adjacent territory.
First of all, it is impossible to include reverse gear in dubious areas. Who knows how such a pseudo-maneuver could end.
Crossroads
And now let's dwell in more detail on what key points to consider when driving at an intersection. In general, this item is very complicated. Everything is taken into account:
- Road cover. It turns out that it can adversely affect the visibility of cars far away when turning, as well as when the car is driving straight.
- The degree of rotation on the horizon. Some roads are indirect at the intersection, and later turn. This significantly affects the visibility of cars.
- Vehicle speed. Obviously, this option is very important. It should be borne in mind that in some cases at intersections, the speed of cars can be significantly distorted in our perception. And this increases the risk of accidents.
- Turns at intersections that suddenly decide to make cars. Sometimes it happens that the car is traveling, and it is impossible to understand whether it will turn off or not. One of the reasons for this is the non-working turn signals. It is necessary to carefully track the road for the presence of such machines, since recently this has happened quite often.
As you can see, there are indeed many complicating factors. But that's okay. What are the basic rules to follow when you decide to make an intersection?
- Closely monitor other people's movements.
- Slow down when approaching a road intersection.
- Crossroads is a place where you need to carefully monitor the behavior of the car.
- Turn in the right lane. If you need to turn left, then you should move along your road for some time, gradually turning in the right direction, so that you end up in the right lane of the perpendicular road. But be careful: this maneuver can be dangerous for your life. It is much easier and safer to find a solitary road that you can reach.
- If you see an agricultural machine, then be prepared for the fact that it cannot maneuver as fast as a passenger car. It seems to be simple advice, but for some reason many drivers forget about it.
There are a lot of such nuances.
findings
It is important to understand that it’s still worth learning the rules of the road . But never forget to turn on your head. Remember that the rules were made according to the laws of logic. But since they were made by people, they have many inaccuracies. And when you, passing a crossroads, hesitate in a difficult situation, it is better to think about how to avoid possible troubles. Any wrong decision made on the roadway can cost you health and even life.