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For years, my husband has been telling me that when approaching a green light, waiting to turn left, I should pull into the middle of the intersection, wheels straight ahead, so that my vehicle and the one behind me can go after the light turns yellow…or red. This prevents creating a long line of unmoving vehicles at a traffic light. I’ve always wondered about that rule, so like a “wondering-minds-need-to-know” type of person, I picked up the current Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual to prove him right – or wrong.
The New York State Driver’s Manual supports this rule. Washington state allows it. California encourages it, of course. Minnesota forbids it. But Pennsylvania? Would it surprise anyone to know the instructions are a bit murky?
According to the Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual, when approaching a green light, “you may drive through the intersection if the road is clear. You may also turn right or left unless a sign tells you not to; however, when turning, you must yield to other vehicles within the intersection.” “When the light turns yellow, “If you are within the intersection or cannot stop safely before entering the intersection, continue through carefully.” But later it says, “Never start a left turn until you can see all the lanes you need to cross are clear…”
I think he’s right, but I’m not entirely sure.
In looking through the manual, I found some other rules and guidelines I didn’t remember from my 1970s driver’s training. How would you score on this driver’s exam? Reminder – if you fail this test, please don’t tell me. I like to think I’m safe out there.
1. At what point do you need to stop when approaching a school bus?
A) When you see the flashing amber lights
B) Only when the red light flashes and the arm is extended
C) When the school bus driver glares down at you
2. Which of the following is not true of a vehicle traveling on a flooded road?
A) Six inches of water can stall some cars.
B) Twelve inches of water can float many cars.
C) Water over a road can hide hazards like missing or weakened roads and bridges.
D) Ten percent of all flooding deaths in PA were related to vehicles.
3. When approaching a railroad crossing, when, according to PA law, is it necessary to come to a complete stop?
A) When the red light is flashing
B) When the crossing gate lowers
C) When a flagger signals a train’s approach
D) When you see a train coming
4. How do you respond to a non-functioning traffic light?
A) Call PennDot to report the problem.
B) Treat it like a four-way stop sign.
C) Get out and push a few buttons.
5. The I-Can’t-Move-Over-There’s-An-Eighteen Wheeler-In-My-Way Law – What should you do if you can’t maneuver into the far lane as you approach an emergency vehicle, police stop, or tow truck by the side of the road?
A) Give a friendly wave and hope the police officer waves back.
B) Slowly push the vehicles onto the berm so you can move over, too.
C) Reduce speed by at least 20 mph.
6. Which of the following have the same rights as car and truck drivers to use public roads?
A) Bicyclists
B) Moped drivers
C) Amish horse & buggy drivers
7. The Soft Shoulder sign means:
A) You are approaching Grandma’s house!
B) The edge of the road is unpaved and lower than the road.
C) The edge of the road has freshly paved asphalt or tar.
8. What should you do if you start to hydroplane?
A) Let go of the steering wheel and allow the vehicle to go with the flow.
B) Come to an immediate stop.
C) Hands on wheel, foot off gas pedal, turn slowly, pump brakes.
9. Do you need to observe the reduced speed limit in a non-active work zone?
A) Yes. You can be fined for traveling more than 5 miles over the reduced speed limit in a work zone.
B) No. If no one’s there to watch you, floor it!
C) Who knows! But you can be fined for not having headlights turned on.
Answers:
1. At what point do you need to stop when approaching a school bus?
Answer – B) Failing to stop for a flashing red light and extended arm could result in a 60-day license suspension and fine. But how do you know when that flashing yellow is going to suddenly turn into a flashing red? I usually stop on flashing yellow, but then I’m also terrified of the glaring bus driver!
2. Which of the following is not true of a vehicle traveling on a flooded road?
Answer – D) Nearly half of all flooding deaths were related to vehicles. Turn around; don’t drown.
3. When is it necessary to come to a complete stop at a railroad track?
Answer – A, B, C, & especially D!
4. How do you respond to a non-functioning traffic light?
Answer – B) Treat it like a four-way stop sign, but pushing buttons sounds like more fun.
5. What should you do if you can’t follow the Move Over Law?
Answer – C) Reduce speed
6. Which of the following have the same rights as car and truck drivers to use public roads?
Answer – All three. Do not run over me when I’m riding Pearl, the shiny, white bike!
7. The Soft Shoulder sign means B) The edge of the road is lower.
8. What should you do if you start to hydroplane?
Answer – C) Keep both hands on the wheel, and take your foot off the gas pedal. Only turn when necessary. Gently pump the brakes if you must.
9. Do you need to observe the reduced speed limit in a non-active work zone?
Non-answer – C) I’ve been trying to find an answer to this one because I travel through an inactive – meaning no workers present – work zone every morning. Some portions of the PennDOT website and Driver’s Manual say you can be fined if traveling 11 mph or more in a reduced-speed work zone. Other writings add the words “in an active work zone.” The PennDOT website says, “Active work zones must be designated as such to notify motorists when they enter and leave the work zone.” This is usually done with a white flashing light. Headlights, though, are required for active and inactive work zones.
How did you do? Is it safe to go back out there? As we get older, it’s a good idea to brush up on driving rules. That first driving test probably took place in another century.
A copy of the Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual can be found at most public libraries, representative’s offices, and here:
Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual
Safe driving!
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