part 2

[Virtual Presenter] If you want to go in the direction indicated by the arrow, you must bring your vehicle to a complete halt before reaching the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection. You must stay stopped as long as the arrow signal remains red..

[Audio] When using a crosswalk signal, pedestrians push a button on a pole to activate the signal. This tells drivers to stop and then allows pedestrians to cross the road safely. The signals displayed below show the sequence of events for both pedestrians and drivers. As pedestrians approach the crosswalk, they will see the flashing yellow light, indicating they should slow down. Once the solid yellow light appears, they should prepare to stop. The solid red light means they must stop immediately. After the lights turn green, pedestrians can begin crossing the road. Drivers, meanwhile, will see the same sequence of lights, slowing down and coming to a stop when the solid red light appears. They should only proceed once the pedestrian has finished crossing..

[Audio] The main background color of a traffic sign can quickly tell you what kind of information it has. Red signs mean stop, yield, do not enter, or wrong way. An octagonal shape always means stop. You must come to a complete stop. Yellow signs warn you of general warnings ahead. A triangle shape means yield. You should slow down and, if necessary, stop to give the right-of-way to other vehicles and pedestrians. White signs show speed limits, keep right, and some guide signs. Orange signs warn you of construction and maintenance work area warnings. A diamond shape means warning. You may have to slow down, so be ready to take appropriate action. Green signs show destinations, distances, and directions. Blue signs show services like food, gas, and rest area signs. Brown signs show recreation and cultural interest areas. Fluorescent yellow-green signs show school, pedestrian, and bicycle signs. Rectangle signs usually give instructions or tell you the rules of the road. Pentagon signs warn you of school zones and mark school crossings. Black signs show one-way signs and signs that change messages. Round signs warn you of railroad crossings. Crossbuck signs identify the location of railroad crossings. Trapezoid signs show recreation and cultural interest areas and national forest routes..

[Audio] When you come to a stop sign, you must make a complete stop at the stop line. If there is no stop line, stop before entering a crosswalk. If there is no stop line or crosswalk, stop before entering the intersection. You must yield to vehicles and pedestrians in the intersection; and remain stopped until it is safe to enter and continue through the intersection..

[Audio] Warning signs are used to alert road users of potential hazards or situations that may not be immediately apparent. They provide critical information about upcoming road conditions, intersections, and other factors that could impact safe driving. Examples include traffic circles, roundabouts, stop and yield signs, pedestrian crossings, speed limits, exit ramps, no passing zones, merging roads, divided roads, and more. By recognizing these warning signs, drivers can anticipate and prepare for changing road conditions, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring a safer journey..

[Audio] Roads are often equipped with overhead signs that provide information about destinations, directions, and how to use the lanes. These signs are placed above the road and offer guidance on where to go and how to get there. They help drivers navigate through unfamiliar areas and ensure they reach their desired destination safely. Interstates, US routes, state routes, and local roads all have their own unique signs that provide essential information. Additionally, park and ride destination guides, general services signs, and mile marker signs are also used to assist drivers. These signs are crucial in helping drivers locate specific businesses, such as hospitals, restaurants, airports, train stations, and lodging facilities. Furthermore, mile marker signs are strategically placed along interstate highways to provide location information, making it easier for emergency responders or tow trucks to find a driver's exact location..

[Audio] Pavement markings are lines on the road. They provide important guidance and information without requiring you to look away from the road. You should recognize all the following types of line markings and understand what they mean. Lines may be extra wide in some locations and/or have reflective markers attached to draw your attention and help you see the lines. Single Broken - White Separates lanes where all traffic is going in the same direction, and crossing from one lane to the other is permitted. Used on roads with more than one lane. Double (side-by-side) Solid - White Separates lanes where all traffic is going in the same direction and you are not allowed to change lanes. May also be used to separate general lanes from HOV lanes. Also, may be used before obstructions that you may pass on either side. Single Broken - Yellow Separates lanes where vehicles are traveling in opposite directions, and passing with care is permitted in either direction. Used as the center line on 2-lane, 2-way roads. Double (side-by-side) Solid - Yellow Separates lanes where traffic is going in opposite directions and passing is not allowed in either direction. You may make a left turn across a double solid yellow line. For example, when turning into a driveway. Single Solid - White Marks the right edge of the road. Also separates lanes where all vehicles are going in the same direction, but lane changing is discouraged. Solid plus Broken - Yellow Used on two-way roads where passing is permitted in only one direction. Careful passing is allowed for traffic on the side of the broken line. Not allowed for traffic on the side of the solid line. Single Solid - Yellow Marks left edge lines on divided highways, one-way roads, and ramps. A divided highway has a guardrail, strip of land, or other barrier between traffic traveling in each direction. Also used to mark the edges of two-way left turn lanes – solid lines are on the outside and broken lines are on the inside..

[Audio] Other pavement markings are crucial to safe driving. They convey essential information about how to use a lane, lane reductions, stop lines, direction of travel, and more. These markings include how to use a lane, about lane reductions, such as changing from two lanes to one. A stop line is a white, solid line indicating where a vehicle must stop for a STOP sign or red traffic signal. Markings show what direction to travel, and those used with arrows or word messages indicate how to move in a lane. 'SCHOOL' and 'RxR' markings warn of school areas and railroad crossings. Pedestrian and bicycle pavement markings separate lines for parallel parking, alerting drivers to bicyclists, telling bicyclists where to ride, and discouraging biking in the wrong direction. Pedestrian crosswalk lines are white, solid lines showing where pedestrians cross. Bike lanes are marked with solid or broken white lines separating them from motor vehicle lanes, often accompanied by bike lane signs or bicycle symbols and arrows..

[Audio] According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, crashes on roads with high speed limits are significantly more deadly than those on roads with lower speed limits. Crashes on roads with speed limits of 65 miles per hour or higher are more than twice as likely to result in death compared to crashes on roads with speed limits of 45 or 50 mph. Furthermore, they are nearly five times as likely to result in death compared to crashes on roads with speed limits of 40 mph or lower. It is crucial to adhere to speed limits and wear a seatbelt to minimize the risk of accidents and fatalities..

[Audio] When driving in nighttime, foggy conditions, and stormy weather, it is essential to utilize your headlights. According to Maryland law, you must activate your headlights whenever utilizing your windshield wipers during inclement weather. In situations with reduced visibility, employ low beams when visibility is more challenging than typical driving and necessitates greater focus and preparation. Keep in mind to rely on yellow pavement markings as a guide, and switch to low beams at least 500 feet prior to approaching vehicles heading towards you. Additionally, always switch to low beams when following a vehicle that is 300 feet or less ahead of you..

[Audio] When driving at night, it is essential to maintain good traction, which allows your vehicle to start, stop, and change direction effectively. Ensure your tires have sufficient tread and are properly inflated. Adjust your speed according to the road conditions and visibility. Use your headlights and follow the guidelines for using high beams. Focus on the road ahead or slightly to the right of your lane, avoiding staring into the headlights of oncoming traffic. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, reduce your speed, and be prepared to stop quickly in inclement weather. Avoid sudden movements like slamming on the brakes or making sharp turns, as these can lead to loss of traction. By following these tips, you will be better equipped to handle the challenges of driving in poor weather conditions..

[Audio] Make sure your windshield wipers are working well. It's essential to ensure they're functioning correctly, especially during snowy and icy conditions. Having an emergency kit in your car can be lifesaving. The kit should contain various supplies, including flares, flashlights, first aid kits, blankets, kitty litter or sand, small shovels, and ice scrapers. These items can help you deal with unexpected situations, such as skidding or hydroplaning, which can occur due to decreased traction on wet or icy roads. Always be cautious and watch ahead for potential dangers, especially on roads with black ice. By being prepared and taking necessary precautions, you can minimize the risks associated with driving on snow and ice..

[Audio] When driving through a work zone, it is essential to stay alert and follow the temporary traffic control devices. These devices show the safe path through the work zone. Be prepared for unexpected driving conditions, such as new traffic patterns, narrow lanes, lane shifts, and uneven surfaces. Keep your vehicle going straight and slow down until you regain control. Watch for workers, flags, and warning signs, and respect their directions. Remember, trains cannot stop quickly, so use extra caution when driving over railroad crossings. Always expect the unexpected and be ready to react..

[Audio] Minimize distractions while driving by avoiding activities such as using cell phones, changing radio stations, and engaging in conversations. Pay attention to flashing blue lights in work zones, indicating the presence of workers, and always follow work zone signs, slowing down to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Respect other drivers by merging carefully, not tailgating, and only changing lanes when necessary. Obey the flagger's directions and exercise caution when approaching traffic circles..

[Audio] When driving near slow-moving vehicles, always be aware of your surroundings and adjust your speed accordingly. Never stop in the lanes where traffic is moving, except in case of emergency or when your vehicle is disabled. If you must stop on the shoulder, turn on your emergency flashers to warn other drivers. Always keep in mind that traffic is moving at high speeds on highways, so it's crucial to exercise extreme caution when approaching slow-moving vehicles. Additionally, when participating in a funeral procession, change your vehicle's speed and position if necessary, and turn on your headlights and flashing hazard lights to ensure other vehicles give you the right-of-way. Only pass the slow-moving vehicle when it's safe to do so, and consider using your emergency flashers to warn others coming up behind you. Finally, even if you have a green signal, yield the right-of-way to vehicles in a funeral procession until all vehicles have passed..

[Audio] Driving drunk or on drugs is a very serious threat to everyone's safety. It is crucial to understand that alcohol and drugs can significantly impair your ability to drive, making it difficult or even impossible to drive safely. It is essential to recognize the risks associated with driving under the influence and to take steps to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road..

[Audio] Concentration is crucial for safe driving. It is essential to stay focused on the road and other vehicles around you. Do not let distractions take your eyes, hands, or mind off driving. Examples of aggressive driving include speeding, tailgating, ignoring traffic signals, and making unsafe lane changes. To minimize the risk of becoming involved in an aggressive driving incident, be patient, focus on your driving behavior, and respect other road users. Remember, it is not just about you - it is about keeping everyone safe on the road..