Stop Sign Compliance

The driver of any vehicle proceeding through an intersection after stopping at said intersection should never assume that an approaching vehicle will stop; and that a driver should never insist on his/her right-of-way and that common courtesy is the most appropriate defensive driving tool.

Crosswalks

Un-controlled crosswalks

Never step off the curb into a crosswalk without looking both ways, or assume that painted lines on the roadway are a barrier to protect a pedestrian from injury. Never insist that you have the right-of-way; in many cases a driver may not see the pedestrian until it's too late.

In-pavement Flashing Lighted Crosswalks

Flashing lights embedded in the roadway within a crosswalk are an indication to the driver that there is a high likelihood that a pedestrian is about to enter the crosswalk from the curb.

Traffic Signal Compliance

Blacked-out Signalized Intersections

According to Section 21800 C.V.C. (d) The driver of any vehicle approaching an intersection which has official traffic control signals that are inoperative shall stop at the intersection, and may proceed with caution when it is safe to do so.

Flashing Yellow Arrow Signal Operation

A driver approaching a traffic signal with a flashing yellow left-turn arrow may proceed with his/her left-turn as on-coming traffic allows; i.e. a gap in traffic allowing the driver to safely complete his/her turn.

Left-turn Yield on Green Ball

Picture this scenario: You plan to make a left-turn at the next intersection. You move into the left-turn lane and check traffic signals for the left-turn indicator, one overhead and one on the far left corner of the intersection. But instead of being greeted by the standard 3-section traffic signal, you find yourself face to face with 5-signal lenses in one signal unit. Welcome to the world of Protective-Permissive Left-turns. Simply put, that mouthful means two traffic signal heads have been combined into one single unit with both a left-turn green arrow and a solid green light. The green arrow means you have the right-of-way to turn left, while the solid round green light means you can turn left only when there is an adequate gap in oncoming traffic. The green arrow may appear either before or after the green light. The benefit to motorists from these "protected-permissive" left-turn signals is less waiting time. They help minimize the delay by allowing you to turn left without always having to wait for a green arrow. You should also remember that just because the car ahead of you is proceeding forward with his/her turn does not assure you that it is safe to do so. Always look and verify to determine if the signal indication is a protective green arrow or a permissive green light to assure that your commute is a safe one.

Railroad Crossing

Warning Devices

Public highway-rail grade crossings have been marked with one or more of the following warning devices for your safety. Learn what they are and watch for them. With these warning devices, and caution on your part, highway-rail grade crossing accidents should never happen.

Flashing Light Signals

Flashing light signals are used at many highway-rail crossings. Always stop when the lights begin to flash. This means a train is coming. If there is more than 1 track, make sure all tracks are clear before crossing.

Gates

Gates are used with flashing light signals at certain crossings. Stop when the lights begin to flash and before the gate begins to lower across your road lane. Do not attempt to cross until the gates are raised and the lights have stopped flashing.

• Expect a train on any track at any time.
• Don't get trapped on a grade crossing.
• Never drive around the gates.
• Watch out for a second train.
• Get out of your vehicle if it stalls.
• Never race a train.
• Don't misjudge a trains speed and distance.