Street Survival - Advanced Defensive Driving

DANGERS > ROAD > ONCOMING

Oncoming (Road)

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☠️ Here we scrutinize scenarios where a vehicle travels head-on into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

What makes this situation more fatal than other impacts is the combined speed of the vehicles involved.

Because of the lethal nature of this scenario, the videos have been broken down into finely grained classifications.

? Questions:

Dangers Road Oncoming

Wrong Direction

We have a look at where vehicles travel the wrong direction down a road.

Wrong Lane

For a variety of reasons, vehicles on the opposite side of the road may be forced into the path of the oncoming lane. Some of these reasons are examined below.

Blowout

The bursting tire of a vehicle can redirect its path into oncoming traffic.

Bump

An oncoming vehicle is bumped by another vehicle on its side of the road, which changes its trajectory into the opposite side of the road.

Impact

Impacting another vehicle or object can force a vehicle into the path of oncoming traffic.

Oblivious

The mind of a driver is not focused on the task at hand and consequently is unaware of drifting onto the wrong side of the road.

Overtaking

Lack of thinking ability and/or a careless attitude in connection with when and how to overtake puts innocent lives at risk.

See Overtaking for further dangers.

Sliding

Vehicles are thrown into a slide due to a number of causes. This section determines what those causes are and how dangerous a vehicle out of control is.

For more information on Sliding in the context of Defensive Driving.

Swerving

A driver swerves to avoid colliding with the vehicle ahead, however then intrudes into the path of oncoming traffic, which in most cases is the worse option.

? Does oncoming traffic have to stop for a school bus?

Whether oncoming traffic has to stop for a school bus depends on the laws in the specific jurisdiction and the type of road. Here are some general guidelines, but it's important to check the specific traffic laws in your area:

General Rules for Stopping for a School Bus

Two-Lane Roads:

  • Most Jurisdictions: On two-lane roads, both directions of traffic must stop when a school bus is stopped with its stop sign extended and lights flashing. This applies to vehicles approaching the bus from both directions.

Multi-Lane Roads without a Median:

  • Most Jurisdictions: On multi-lane roads without a physical median or barrier, all lanes of traffic in both directions must stop for a stopped school bus.

Divided Highways:

  • Most Jurisdictions: On divided highways with a physical median or barrier, only the traffic following the school bus must stop. Traffic traveling in the opposite direction on the other side of the median does not need to stop.

Specific Examples by Country and State

United States:

  • Two-Lane Roads: Both directions must stop.

  • Multi-Lane Roads without Median: Both directions must stop.

  • Divided Highways: Only traffic following the bus must stop.

Canada:

  • Varies by Province: Generally similar to the U.S., but specific rules can vary.

Common Exceptions

  • School Zones: In some areas, additional rules may apply in school zones, often with reduced speed limits and heightened awareness requirements.

  • Local Variations: Some jurisdictions may have specific regulations that differ slightly, so it's important to be familiar with the local laws.

Safety Tips

  • Be Vigilant: Always be on the lookout for school buses, especially during the start and end of the school day.

  • Follow Signals: Pay attention to the bus’s flashing lights and extended stop sign. Yellow flashing lights typically indicate the bus is preparing to stop, while red flashing lights and the extended stop sign indicate that children are boarding or disembarking.

  • Children’s Safety: Be aware that children may be crossing the road, and they may not always be aware of traffic.

Conclusion

In most places, oncoming traffic must stop for a school bus on two-lane roads and multi-lane roads without a median when the bus has its stop sign extended and lights flashing. On divided highways, only the traffic following the bus typically needs to stop. Always check and follow local traffic laws to ensure the safety of school children.

? Does oncoming traffic have to stop for an ambulance?

In most jurisdictions, oncoming traffic is not required to stop for an ambulance that is approaching with lights flashing and sirens activated. However, there are specific rules and guidelines regarding how drivers should respond to emergency vehicles like ambulances:

General Guidelines for Interacting with Emergency Vehicles

Yield the Right of Way:

  • Pull Over Safely: When you hear or see an ambulance approaching from any direction, safely pull over to the right side of the road and stop. This allows the ambulance to pass quickly and safely.

Do Not Block Intersections:

  • Clear the Intersection: If you are at an intersection and an ambulance is approaching, proceed through the intersection if you can do so safely without blocking the ambulance’s path.

Follow Local Laws:

  • Check Local Regulations: Laws may vary by jurisdiction, so it's important to know the specific rules in your area regarding yielding to emergency vehicles.

Specific Rules for Oncoming Traffic

  • Traffic Movement: Generally, oncoming traffic should move to the right and allow the ambulance to pass. However, they are not required to come to a complete stop unless directed to do so by local law enforcement or traffic signals.

Safety Considerations

  • Visibility: Be aware of your surroundings and check all mirrors and blind spots before pulling over.

  • Stay Alert: Keep an eye out for other emergency vehicles that may be following the first one.

  • Avoid Sudden Moves: Signal your intentions clearly and move gradually to the side of the road to avoid causing further hazards.

Legal Consequences

  • Enforcement: Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle can result in fines or penalties, depending on local traffic laws.

  • Safety First: Always prioritize safety for yourself, other drivers, and emergency responders when encountering emergency vehicles on the road.

Conclusion

While oncoming traffic does not typically have to stop for an ambulance, it is important to yield the right of way by pulling over to the right side of the road and stopping safely. Following these guidelines helps emergency vehicles respond quickly and safely to their destinations while minimizing traffic disruptions.

? Does oncoming traffic have to stop for a funeral procession?

In most jurisdictions, oncoming traffic is not legally required to stop for a funeral procession. However, there are some considerations and general guidelines to keep in mind regarding how to respectfully and safely interact with a funeral procession:

Understanding Funeral Processions

Funeral Procession Rules:

  • Lead Vehicle: Typically, a funeral procession is led by a lead vehicle with flashing lights or a flag, followed by family and friends' vehicles.

  • Obey Traffic Laws: Funeral processions must obey all traffic signals and signs unless escorted by police with specific traffic control authority.

Yielding to Processions:

  • Courtesy and Respect: It is customary for drivers encountering a funeral procession to show respect and courtesy by yielding the right of way or allowing the procession to proceed uninterrupted.

Legal Considerations

  • No Legal Obligation: Oncoming traffic is not legally required to stop or yield to a funeral procession.

  • Traffic Laws Apply: Drivers in the procession must follow all traffic laws, and oncoming traffic should continue to operate under normal traffic rules.

Practical Tips

  • Awareness: Be aware of funeral procession signs or indicators, such as lead vehicles with flashing lights or flags.

  • Safety First: Maintain a safe distance from the procession and avoid sudden maneuvers that could disrupt the flow of traffic or endanger others.

  • Respect: It's customary to show respect and empathy toward those participating in the funeral procession by allowing them to proceed without unnecessary interruption.

Conclusion

While oncoming traffic does not have a legal obligation to stop for a funeral procession, it is respectful and courteous to yield the right of way or allow the procession to continue without disruption. Understanding and adhering to local customs and traffic laws helps maintain safety and honor the solemnity of the occasion for those involved in the procession.

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Street Survival - Advanced Defensive Driving