A pedestrian safety zone is an area within the road marked by raised buttons or other markers that is set aside ONLY for pedestrians. Examples of pedestrian safety zones include bus stops where pedestrians wait safely to board a bus, trolley stops and curb ramps where pedestrians can wait safely before crossing the street.

The speed limit when driving past a pedestrian safety zone is 10 mph.

Pedestrian safety zone

If you see a yellow diamond sign with animals on it, be warned that animals may be on or near the roadway. If you see animals near the roadway, slow down and proceed with caution because they may suddenly run into the road.

If you see livestock near the roadway, slow down and proceed with caution. If there is a person in charge of the animals, follow his directions.

Constantly move your eyes, looking at all the mirrors to maintain a safe distance around your vehicle. This safe distance will allow you time to brake in case of an emergency. Constantly starring at the road in front of your vehicle is dangerous because you are not aware of hazards on your sides and behind you.

The “3 second rule” is used to prevent you from tailgating the car in front of you. when the vehicle ahead of you passes a certain point, such as a sign, you start to count “one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one thousand three.” This takes about 3 seconds. If you pass the same point before you finish counting, you are too close to the car ahead of you (you are tailgating).

You should allow for 4 or more seconds ahead of you when:

• a tailgater is behind you

• driving on slippery roads

• the driver behind you wants to pass you

• following large vehicles that block your view ahead

• towing a trailer or carrying heavy loads

• following motorcycles or bicycles on gravel, wet or icy roads and metal surfaces (bridge gratings, railroad tracks). Because motorcyclists and bicyclists can fall on these surfaces.

• Merging onto a highway.

• Following a school bus, bus or a vehicle carrying hazardous loads, at railroad crossings because they are required to stop at the crossing.

Because  there are drivers who DO NOT obey traffic lights or other signs at intersections, you should:

• First look to the left because vehicles coming from this direction are closer.
• Look to the right.
• Then look left again, in case there are vehicles, pedestrians or bicycles you missed the first time.

The following help maintain space alongside your vehicle and prevent accidents:

• On multi-lane roads, avoid driving alongside vehicles, drive either ahead or behind.
• Even though you have the right of way, try to make room for vehicles merging into your lane.
• Maintain space when driving alongside parked vehicles because a door may open, someone may step out in between them or a vehicle may pull out suddenly.
• Leave plenty of room between your vehicle, motorcyclists and bicyclists.
• Avoid staying in another driver’s blind spot.

• When changing lanes you should look back in the rear view mirror, side mirror and over your shoulder to check if there are no vehicles in the lane you want to enter.
• Check your mirrors when you are turning into a side road, reducing your speed and preparing to turn into a parking place.
• Check your mirrors when driving down a steep hill, because large trucks can gather speed quickly and may not be able to stop.
• When backing up, before backing turn and look over your right and left shoulder and then do the same when backing up.