A 3-minute lesson from the Tennessee course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Two situations call for calm, predictable driving: being stopped by police, and crossing intersections — where more crashes happen than anywhere else. In both, sudden or surprising moves create danger.
Know the rule
Police signal you to stop with flashing blue, or blue and red, lights and/or a siren.
Don't argue at the scene if you disagree — traffic charges are decided in court. If an UNMARKED car signals you, you may drive slowly a short distance to a place with other people, like a business lot or the next exit.
Left-right-left: look left first, then right, then across the intersection before moving. Check again as you enter, watch oncoming and following traffic, and look twice for motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians.
Never move into an intersection and block it after the light changes — it's always illegal, whether or not a 'Do Not Block Intersection' sign is posted.
Your light turns green but traffic on the far side is backed up. If you pull in, you'll be stuck in the box when the light changes. Stay behind the stop line until there's room to get all the way through.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
You are allowed to enter an intersection even if traffic ahead may prevent you from clearing it before the light changes.
True
False
Answer: False
You should not enter an intersection unless you can clear it, to avoid blocking traffic when the light changes.