roadwise.Open study app

Wisconsin driving lesson · The Basics

Intersections, Stopping & Sight Distance

A 3-minute lesson from the Wisconsin course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

Study this lesson in the app Back to the course
Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
The Basics
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
15, 16

Intersections are where paths cross, and they're where many crashes happen. Look before you enter, stop smoothly instead of suddenly, and keep your eyes far enough ahead to spot trouble early.

Intersection

Where two points cross. Intersections include cross streets, driveways, parking lot entrances and railroad crossings.

Handbook p. 15 ↗

Know the rule

Before entering, look left and right, make sure no vehicles or pedestrians are in the intersection, and look across to see a clear path. If you can't see, move forward with caution.

Handbook p. 15 ↗

Know the rule

Keep control of your vehicle and be ready to brake, most of all where there are no signals or signs.

Handbook p. 15 ↗

Know the rule

Trees, buildings and parked vehicles can block your view. Approach a blocked intersection at a slow pace.

Handbook p. 15 ↗

Know the rule

Some drivers don't obey or notice signals and signs. Search left, right and left again before going through, even if you have the right-of-way.

Handbook p. 15 ↗

Know the rule

Stopping with no warning can make you lose control or cause the driver behind to hit you. Slow down earlier for a gradual, safer stop.

Handbook p. 16 ↗

Coasting

Driving with the car in neutral. Don't do it: stay in gear so you have full control of the vehicle.

Handbook p. 16 ↗

Know the rule

Sight distance rule: if you can't see 10 to 15 seconds ahead, slow down so you have better control.

Handbook p. 16 ↗

Know the rule

Check all your mirrors while driving: look left and right, ahead, and behind using your rearview mirror.

Handbook p. 16 ↗

Know the rule

At railroad crossings, don't assume no train is coming. Stop before the crossing, look both ways, listen, and check there's room for your car on the other side.

Handbook p. 16 ↗

Know the rule

Don't look at drivers who have been pulled over or other roadside activity. It can cause a crash.

Handbook p. 16 ↗

Put it into practice

A delivery truck is parked at the corner, blocking your view of the cross street. Slow way down, creep forward with your foot ready to brake, and look left, right and left again before you go.

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.

Which of these counts as an intersection under Wisconsin's definition?
  1. Only intersections with traffic signals
  2. Only four-way stops
  3. A driveway or parking lot entrance
  4. Only a crossing of two numbered highways

Answer: A driveway or parking lot entrance

Intersections include cross streets, driveways, parking lot entrances and railroad crossings.

Handbook p. 15 ↗
How should you approach an intersection where your view is blocked by trees or parked cars?
  1. Quickly, to clear the intersection faster
  2. By pulling into the crosswalk to get a better view
  3. At normal speed, since you have the right-of-way
  4. Slowly and cautiously

Answer: Slowly and cautiously

Approach a blocked intersection at a slow pace.

Handbook p. 15 ↗
Even when you have the right-of-way at an intersection, you should still:
  1. Assume other drivers will stop
  2. Look left, right and left again
  3. Look right, then left, then right again
  4. Speed up to clear it quickly

Answer: Look left, right and left again

Search left, right and left again before going through, even with the right-of-way.

Handbook p. 15 ↗
What should you do if you cannot see 10 to 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle?
  1. Slow down for better control
  2. Speed up to clear the area quickly
  3. Change lanes immediately
  4. Turn on your hazard lights and stop

Answer: Slow down for better control

If you cannot see 10-15 seconds ahead, slow down for better vehicle control.

Handbook p. 16 ↗
What does 'coasting' mean while driving?
  1. Using cruise control
  2. Braking gently
  3. Putting your car in neutral
  4. Driving at a constant speed in gear

Answer: Putting your car in neutral

Coasting means putting your car in the neutral position while moving.

Handbook p. 16 ↗
At a railroad crossing with no gates or lights, you should:
  1. Stop, look both ways and listen
  2. Rely on hearing a train horn
  3. Slow down and look for flashing lights
  4. Only slow down, never stop

Answer: Stop, look both ways and listen

Stop before the crossing, look both ways and listen for the train.

Handbook p. 16 ↗
Take the lesson checkpoint in the app

More in The Basics

All Wisconsin lessons