Section 3: Situations of Uncertainty - What Now? -- Page
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Review
Congratulations, you've finished Section 3!
We've learned that when you find yourself at a crossing in a Situation of Uncertainty you:
assess the risk of the crossing by considering:
- who has the right of way here? (understand pedestrian and white cane laws)
- how likely is it that am I going to be surprised by an unexpected vehicle?
Depends on:
- how much traffic is there?
- how much warning time (detection-to-arrival time) do I have for approaching vehicles?
- if I am surprised by an unexpected vehicle, how likely is it that it will hit me?
Considering drivers' speed, sight distance and expectations, multiple threats, use of cane, etc.
- if I am hit, how likely am I going to be seriously injuried or killed?
Considering the drivers' speed.
Decide whether the risk is acceptable;
Consider alternatives when the risk of crossing is not acceptable (or is not preferable).
- Get help to cross;
- Find a crossing where you can hear/see the traffic better or are more visible;
- Cross at a traffic signal or stop sign;
- Increase the likelihood that drivers will yield OR get all the drivers to stop before you start crossing;
- Avoid crossing;
- Be prepared to return to curb;
- Request traffic engineer to revise or redesign the intersection.