Sharing the Road

Drivers of cars and trucks share the road with others. You must know the laws that apply to other roadway users, including: police/emergency vehicles, trucks, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, moped operators, snowmobiles, slow-moving vehicles, horseback riders and children have rights on the road, too. Follow these tips to help make the road safe for all.

Pedestrians


  • Pedestrians are the highway users most at risk in traffic.
  • Children are often the least predictable pedestrians as well as the hardest to see
  • Always be aware and take extra care around schools, bus stops, playgrounds, parks and residential streets.
  • When backing up, take additional steps to insure the way is clear. Look through the rear window, not just your mirrors.
  • A great safety tip is to always honk your horn before backing.
  • Pedestrians have rules too.

Bicyclists


  • Signal turns, lane changes and stops using hand signals.
  • Never carry and infant under a year old
  • Children passengers under the age of four must ride in a bicycle safety seat and wear approved helmets.
  • Bicyclists must use a bicycle lane if available.
  • If no bicycle lane, they must ride near the right curb, or edge of the road, to avoid undue interference with other traffic. (This rule does not apply when the cyclist is preparing for a left turn, or is avoiding hazards.)
  • They must come to a full stop before entering a roadway from: a driveway,alley,or over a curb.
  • They can not ride more than two abreast in a single lane, or carry a passenger unless the bicycle is equipped with a passenger seat.
  • They must keep at least one hand on the handlebar at all times
  • Riding on sidewalks may be prohibited in some areas.
  • Bicycles accidents resulting in death or serious injury must be reported.
Biking on Streets

Motorcyclists


The motorcycle operator is required to obey the same laws and rules of the road as any other vehicle, with several exceptions. Due to their lower visibility there are several things a driver should be aware of.

  • Motorcyclists
  • Have lower visibility and to improve their visibility driving with headlight on is not only the law but good for the motorcycle driver.
  • It is hard to judge how far away a motorcycle is or how fast it is going.
  • Many accidents occur when the car driver turns left in front of a motorcycle after misjudging the speed or distance.
  • Motorcyclists have the right to the use of the full lane.


Horseback Riders


Horseback riders may use public roadways. Exceptions are limited access highways and most expressways. Horseback riders must ride with traffic and as far to the right as possible. Never sound a horn when you are near a horse. The sound may frighten it and cause an accident. When meeting or passing a horseback rider, do so with caution and be prepared to stop.

Trucks


When sharing the road with trucks, buses or other large vehicles, there are some special tips that are important to remember.

The length and width of large trucks can create special driving situations for both small and large vehicle drivers. Often it is a lack of understanding by small vehicle drivers of large trucks that can lead to collisions. To share the road with a truck means being aware of its capabilities and limitations. The following suggestions can help drivers share the road comfortably and safely. At intersections, drivers of long trucks that are turning right may move into the left lane to avoid hitting the curb as they turn. If you ignore the truck’s turn signals and pull up on its right side, you may be squeezed between the truck and the curb as it makes the turn. Most trucks need a longer distance to stop. Signal your intentions well before turning, slowing or stopping to give trucks behind you more time to brake.

When stopped, especially going uphill, a truck may roll back farther than a car when the driver releases the brake and engages the clutch. Leave at least one car length between your vehicle and the truck ahead and stay slightly to the left of your lane so you can be seen in the truck driver’s mirror. Be visible. Stay out of a truck’s blind spots, typically to the sides and back. Truck drivers rely on their mirrors to see what’s happening in these areas. Never follow so closely that a truck driver cannot see your vehicle in the mirrors. If you can’t see the driver in the mirrors, then the truck driver cannot see you.



Quiz "Road Sharing"


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