Stage 1 Course Content 6 — Proceeding through Intersections, etc., and Railroad Crossings

1. Proceeding through Intersections, etc.

An intersection is a place where 2 or more roads cross, and many pedestrians proceed there as well, making it the most likely place for accidents. Entering and proceeding though an intersection requires paying sufficient attention to other vehicles and pedestrians and driving carefully.

Reference — "Intersection"

Refers to 4-way junctions, T-junctions, and other areas where 2 or more roads cross (on roads where sidewalks and roadways are divided, where the roadways cross).

1. How to Turn Left (Excluding Roundabouts)

When turning left, a vehicle must move as close to the left edge of the road as possible beforehand and proceed slowly along the edge of the intersection. (When arrows or other pavement markings designate how to proceed, the vehicle must proceed accordingly.)

Reference — Proceeding slowly

Refers to proceeding at a speed that allows a vehicle to stop immediately. (Refer to p. 76)

Pavement markings showing how to turn left — This pavement marking may be present at intersections crossing a wide road. It indicates that vehicles must enter the vehicular lane it will proceed in after turning left.

How to turn left when a roadway edge line is present — A solid white line marked on the left edge of the roadway on a road with a sidewalk is called the roadway edge line. The space between this line and the sidewalk is considered the roadway, so vehicles may enter it and proceed.

2. How to Turn Right (Excluding Roundabouts)

1. How automobiles turn right

  1. When turning right, an automobile must move as close to the center of the road as possible beforehand and proceed slowly close to the center of the intersection on its near side. (When arrows or other pavement markings designate how to proceed, the automobile must proceed accordingly.)
  2. When turning right from a one-way road, an automobile must move as close to the right edge of the road as possible beforehand and proceed slowly on the near side of the center of the intersection. (When arrows or other pavement markings designate how to proceed, the automobile must proceed accordingly.)

Pavement markings showing how to turn right — If pavement markings designating how to turn right are present at an intersection, automobiles must obey the designation when turning right.

2. Right turn method for general motorized bicycles

① Intersections to turn right at using the tight right turn method (the same method as automobiles)

At the following intersections, turn right using the same method as automobiles (tight turn):

<How to turn right — tight turn>

  1. Move as close to the center of the road as possible beforehand.
  2. When turning right from a wide road, start well in advance and move gradually to the lane for turning right. A sudden move from the left lanes to the right lane is extremely dangerous.
  3. Proceed slowly close to the center of the intersection on its near side.

※ May turn right on a green arrow signal.

② Intersections to turn right at using the two-step right turn method (the same method as bicycles)

At the following intersections, turn right using the two-step right turn method (same as bicycles):

<How to turn right — two-step>

  1. Move as close to the left edge of the road as possible beforehand.
  2. Start signaling a right turn 30 m before the near edge of the intersection.
  3. At a green signal, slowly proceed straight to the far side of the intersection.
  4. Stop there, face right, and stop signaling.
  5. Proceed when the signal ahead turns green.

※ May not turn right on a green arrow signal.

3. Prohibition against Vehicles Turning Right Obstructing the Progress of Vehicles Proceeding Straight or Turning Left (Excluding Roundabouts)

When turning right at an intersection, a vehicle must not obstruct the progress of vehicles and streetcars proceeding straight or turning left at the intersection, even if the vehicle had entered the intersection first.

※ Even if an oncoming vehicle gives way, pay attention, because a two-wheeled vehicle proceeding straight along an opposite lane may be difficult to see.

4. Lane Divisions According to the Direction of Travel

  1. On roads with vehicular lanes where lane divisions according to the direction of travel at the intersection are designated by traffic signs and pavement markings, automobiles and general motorized bicycles must proceed according to the designated divisions. However, they need not obey when an emergency vehicle approaches or when it is unavoidable due to roadwork, etc.
  2. When a non-motorized conveyance, a specified light motorized bicycle, or a general motorized bicycle that must turn right using the two-step right turn method, is turning right or left at an intersection, it must move to the left edge of the road to proceed.

※ In a left turn only lane, pay sufficient attention to general motorized bicycles, specified light motorized bicycles, and non-motorized conveyances proceeding straight.

5. "Proceed only in designated directions" sign

At an intersection where straight ahead, left turn, or other direction of travel is designated by a traffic sign, vehicles are prohibited from proceeding in directions not indicated by an arrow.

Attention — Note the signs are different

Lane direction and Proceed only in designated directions are different signs.

6. How to Turn Right or Left to Enter Roadside Places

1. Turning left

When making a left turn to exit a road, a vehicle must move as close to the left edge of the road as possible beforehand and proceed slowly.

2. Turning right

When making a right turn to exit a road, a vehicle (excluding specified light motorized bicycles and non-motorized conveyances) must move as close as possible beforehand to the center of the road (to the right edge of the road on a one-way road) and proceed slowly.

※ When crossing a sidewalk or a side strip, a vehicle must come to a stop immediately before it (even when no pedestrians are present) and must not obstruct the passage of pedestrians. When no sidewalk or side strip is present, coming to a stop is not required, but the vehicle must not obstruct the passage of pedestrians and bicycles, as well as specified light motorized bicycles. (Refer to p. 51)

7. Prohibition against Obstructing Course Changes by Vehicles That Have Signaled a Right or Left Turn

When a vehicle ahead signals a course change to turn right or left, to proceed in a vehicular lane designated by traffic signs or pavement markings, etc., a vehicle must not obstruct the course change of the vehicle ahead. The same applies when a vehicle ahead signals to move to the left edge or the center of the road (or the right edge of a one-way road) to exit a road. However, when avoidance would require sudden braking or sudden steering, the vehicle may continue to proceed.

2. Cautions When Proceeding through Intersections

1. Safe Speed and Method (Excluding Roundabouts)

At or near an intersection is the most likely place for accidents. When entering or proceeding through an intersection, a vehicle must pay attention to vehicles turning right, pedestrians, etc. and proceed at the safest speed and method possible in response to the conditions in the intersection.

Pay sufficient attention, especially when turning right, because a two-wheeled vehicle proceeding straight along an opposite lane may be difficult to see.

2. Preventing Hitting Others When Turning Right or Left

When a vehicle turns right or left, an inner wheelbase differential (the difference between the paths of the front and rear wheels caused by the rear wheels traveling in a turning arc that is tighter than the front wheels) arises.

In particular, large vehicles have a large inner wheelbase differential and the left rear is difficult to see, so pay attention to avoid hitting pedestrians, bicycles, etc. while turning.

Further, since it is easy for a two-wheeled vehicle to be in the blind spot of a four-wheeled vehicle, travel in a position visible from the four-wheeled vehicle, pay attention to turn signals, and otherwise be attentive to prevent being hit.

Attention — "Inner wheelbase differential"

When a vehicle turns, the rear wheels travel in an arc that is tighter than the front wheels. The differences between the traveling positions of the front and rear wheels are called the inner and outer wheelbase differentials. The sharper the corner, the larger they are, and the longer the vehicle body, such as with large vehicles, correspondingly the larger they are. When turning left, pay sufficient attention, since especially the rear wheel may cross over past the shoulder.

3. Proceeding through Intersections Where Traffic Is Not Controlled

1. When the Intersecting Road Has the Right of Way, etc. (Excluding Roundabouts)

At an intersection where traffic is not controlled, if the intersecting road has the right of way or if the intersecting road is wider, a vehicle must proceed slowly and must not obstruct the progress of vehicles or streetcars proceeding on the intersecting road.

Reference — "Road with the right of way"

Refers to roads indicated with a "Right of way" sign, or roads for which the centerline or vehicular lane markings continue into the intersection.

2. When the Widths of the Intersecting Roads Are the Same (Excluding Roundabouts)

At an intersection where traffic is not controlled and the width of the intersecting roads are similar, a vehicle must not obstruct the progress of streetcars or the progress of vehicles proceeding from the left.

3. Coming to a stop at designated places, etc.

When there is a "Stop" sign, a vehicle must come to a stop immediately before the stop line (or immediately before the intersection, where there is no stop line) and must not obstruct the progress of vehicles or streetcars proceeding on the intersecting road.

The same applies when there is a flashing red light signal in the direction of travel.

Reference — Where a "Stop line" sign is present

The "Stop line" sign may be installed when a stop line cannot be installed due to gravel roads or fallen snow, or when a stop line is installed but not easily seen. When stopping at this traffic sign, stop immediately before the sign.

4. Proceeding through Roundabouts

A roundabout is an intersection in which the part of the road vehicles proceed on is round (circular) and road traffic signs, etc. designate that vehicles must proceed clockwise.

Reference — Anticipated effects of roundabouts

Although they are unfamiliar and can cause confusion because their number in Japan is still few, the following effects are anticipated:

  1. Since no time is lost waiting for a signal, traffic will flow more smoothly than intersections with signals, alleviating congestion.
  2. Since vehicles proceed at reduced speed, it will lead to a decrease in major traffic accidents.
  3. Since there is no traffic facing each other, it will lead to improved safety.
  4. Since the intersection becomes wider, visibility will improve and it leads to a decrease in traffic accidents.
  5. Fluidity of traffic will be maintained without confusion during power outages, such as in times of disaster.
  6. Traffic lights become unnecessary and it will lead to decreased intersection maintenance costs.

1. Cautions When Proceeding (Safe Speed and Method)

When entering or proceeding through a roundabout, a vehicle must pay attention to vehicles proceeding through the roundabout, vehicles entering the roundabout, pedestrians, etc. and proceed at the safest speed and method possible in response to the conditions in the roundabout.

2. How to Proceed

1. How to enter

When entering a roundabout, a vehicle must proceed slowly and must not obstruct the progress of vehicles or streetcars proceeding through a roundabout. (No signaling)

2. How to turn left, turn right, proceed straight, or make a U-turn

When turning left or right, proceeding straight, or making a U-turn in a roundabout, a vehicle must move as close to the left edge of the road as possible beforehand and proceed slowly along the edge of the roundabout. (When arrows or other pavement markings designate how to proceed, the vehicle must proceed accordingly.)

3. How to exit

When exiting a roundabout, start signaling using the turn signal after passing beside the exit before the desired exit (if exiting at the first exit, when entering the roundabout) and continue to signal using a turn signal until the vehicle has exited.

5. How to Cross at Railroad Crossings, etc.

1. Coming to a Stop and Ensure Safety with Eyes and Ears

Accidents at railroad crossings tend to be major, such as accidents involving death or serious injury. Always follow the instructions below when crossing at a railroad crossing.

  1. A driver must come to a stop immediately before a railroad crossing (if a stop line is present, immediately before it) and check for safety to the right and left using the driver's own eyes and ears by turning down the volume on the radio or car stereo, by rolling down the window, etc.
  2. If a traffic light is present at the railroad crossing, a vehicle may cross according to the signal. (Drivers are not required to come to a stop when crossing at a green signal, but they must check for safety.)
  3. When checking for safety, pay sufficient attention, because immediately after a train in one direction has passed, another train from the other direction may approach.
  4. Even when crossing following another vehicle, a vehicle must always come to a stop and check for safety.

Reference — Where a railroad crossing attendant is present...

When crossing at a railroad crossing, "coming to a stop and ensuring safety" are mandatory. Even if there is a hand signal of a railroad crossing attendant, etc., a vehicle must come to a stop and ensure safety.

2. No Entry Due to Warning Bell, Crossing Gate, etc.

  1. A vehicle must not enter the railroad crossing when the warning bell is sounding or the crossing gate is either down or coming down.
  2. When there is a risk of having to stop inside a railroad crossing due to congestion on the other side, a vehicle must not enter a railroad crossing.

Attention — Other cautions for railroad crossings

When the crossing gates have come down and trapped the vehicle — Continue to proceed, pushing up the crossing gate to get out of the railroad crossing. In the case of a two-wheeled vehicle, push up the crossing gate with the hands to get out.

When the other side of the railroad crossing is an intersection — Enter after checking the traffic conditions at the intersection so that the vehicle does not have to stop inside the railroad crossing.

When the railroad crossing is narrow — Recklessly passing an oncoming vehicle may result in a wheel dropping off the roadway and other dangers. Let the oncoming vehicle proceed through before entering.

Automobiles with cranes or when carrying tall cargo on large vehicles, etc. — Enter after checking the height to prevent getting caught on overhead wires.

3. Proceeding Close to the Center in Low Gear

To prevent stalling, do not change gears inside a railroad crossing. Cross in a single action in the low gear used to start moving. Further, proceed close to the center to prevent wheels from dropping off the roadway.

Attention — "Cross in a single action"

Does not refer to proceeding with speed. Refers to crossing in the gear used to start moving (without changing gears) at a constant speed to prevent stopping in the railroad crossing or engine stalling while changing gears and becoming trapped.

4. Cautions Regarding Pedestrians, etc.

A railroad crossing can be dangerous due to bad road surface conditions, narrowness, and congestion. Cross safely while paying sufficient attention to pedestrians and oncoming vehicles.

6. Measures to Take When Broken Down, etc. on Railroad Crossings

If a vehicle becomes immobile in the railroad crossing, the driver must immediately alert any train operators, etc. and must promptly remove the vehicle from the railroad crossing.

1. Alerting Train Operators, etc.

  1. At a railroad crossing with a warning bell, push the railroad crossing obstruction notification device (emergency button) mounted on the warning bell pole, etc.
  2. At one without a railroad crossing obstruction notification device, use the smoke flare, etc. carried in the vehicle to signal trains so that they would be able to recognize it as soon as possible.
  3. When missing the smoke flare, etc. or when it gets used up, create a signal, such as by burning something that produces smoke nearby.

Reference — How to use a smoke flare

A smoke flare should be equipped on a vehicle, at the foot of the passenger seat, driver's seat, etc. Check its location in advance so that it can be used right away in emergencies.

  1. Remove the smoke flare from its case by pulling it out.
  2. Insert the other end into the case.
  3. Light by striking against the scratch surface on the cap, in the same manner as a match.
  4. Once lit, do not point it toward any person's body.

※ Smoke flares are extremely hot, at 600°C or greater. Beware of burns, etc.

2. Removing a Vehicle from a Railroad Crossing

After alerting train operators, etc., a driver must promptly remove the vehicle from the railroad crossing in ways such as the following.

  1. Have people nearby to push the vehicle.
  2. Have another vehicle pull it.
  3. Use the starting motor to move it. (This method cannot be used on automatic transmission vehicles or on manual transmission vehicles equipped with a clutch-starting system.)

Reference — How to move a vehicle using the starting motor

Shift to a low gear and turn the starting motor to Start without depressing the clutch pedal. The engine will not start, but tires will rotate, allowing the vehicle to be moved a short distance.

  1. Shift to low or second gear (or reverse).
  2. Do not depress the clutch pedal.
  3. Continue to run the starting motor.
  4. Hold the handle firmly and do not depress the accelerator.

"Clutch-starting system" — A device that prevents accidental starting of manual transmission vehicles by not allowing the engine to turn on when the engine key is turned if the clutch is not fully depressed. On two-wheeled vehicles, the engine does not start unless the clutch lever is gripped.

Let's Try — Course Content 6 — Check your understanding with right/wrong questions.

(See page 275 for answers.)

  1. (Traffic sign with 原付 and right-turn arrow) — General motorized bicycles turning right at an intersection with this traffic sign must use the two-step right turn method.
  2. (Stop sign 止まれ) — This traffic sign indicates that a vehicle must always come to a stop at this location, even if it is clearly safe.
  3. When turning right at a congested intersection (excluding roundabouts), it is acceptable to turn right using the shortest possible route, through any gap in oncoming vehicles.
  4. An inner wheelbase differential refers to the "play in the steering wheel" when it is turned to the left or to the right.
  5. When crossing at a railroad crossing, it is advisable to change gears early and cross in a single action in high gear to prevent engine stalling.
  6. When there is a risk of having to stop inside a railroad crossing due to congestion on the other side, a vehicle must not enter a railroad crossing.
  7. When turning right at an intersection ahead from a one-way road (excluding roundabouts), a vehicle must move as close to the left edge of the road as possible and proceed slowly on the far side of the center of the intersection.
  8. At an intersection where traffic is not controlled (excluding roundabouts), if the intersecting road has the right of way or is wider, proceed slowly and give way to vehicles proceeding on the intersecting road.
  9. When turning right at an intersection (excluding roundabouts), a vehicle must not obstruct the progress of oncoming vehicles proceeding straight or turning left, even if the vehicle had entered the intersection first.
  10. When turning left, a vehicle must move as close to the left edge of the road as possible beforehand and proceed slowly along the edge of the intersection (or along the edge of the roundabout).

(正: right, 誤: wrong)