Mastering Intersection Safety: What You Need to Know

Navigating the roads of California can be both thrilling and daunting. Whether you're a new driver or just brushing up on your skills for the California Driver License Written Test, understanding the rules of the road—especially at intersections—is crucial. So, what should you always do at intersections? Let’s break it down!

The Right Answer: Look Left and Right

When you're approaching an intersection, the correct answer is to always look left and right. Seems simple enough, right? But let’s unpack why this little habit can make a world of difference.

Imagine you're driving down a busy street, the sun is shining, and everything seems great. Suddenly, you hit an intersection. If you don't look around, you might miss a cyclist zipping by or a pedestrian waiting to cross the street. It may feel like a small detail, but taking that moment to look left and right ensures you’re fully aware of your surroundings. You never know when something unexpected will pop up—like that sneaky car zooming toward you from your blind spot!

More Than Just a Glance

Now, you might be wondering, “Isn’t that just common sense?”. It absolutely is, but folks forget it all the time! Here’s the thing: while it can be easy to assume the road is clear, it's crucial to make checking left and right a reflex. Just like you wouldn’t walk out into a busy street without checking both ways, you need to apply that same level of caution when driving.

You may ponder, “What about stopping?” Sure, if the situation demands it—like a red light or a STOP sign—then stopping is obviously necessary. However, that's not always the case at every intersection. Each intersection has its own signals and signs that dictate what actions you should take. Sometimes, you may sail right through, while in other circumstances, you’ll need to pause and assess the situation.

Keep It Fresh: Your Blind Spot and Other Tips

Now, let’s chat about blind spots. They’re pesky little areas where vehicles can disappear from your view. While checking your blind spot is essential when changing lanes or merging, it’s not a requirement every single time you approach an intersection. You can think of it like gazing into your refrigerator. You’re not going to check every time you open the door, but you do when you need to grab a snack, right? And that’s crucial—just like that moment when you glance over your shoulder before merging.

Take note: accelerating through an intersection is never a sound decision. Always be mindful of the potential for other vehicles and pedestrians. Hurrying only makes the safety factors more complicated, and nobody wants an accident on their conscience.

Traffic Signals: Your Roadway Companions

Don’t forget about your trusty traffic signals! They exist to guide you. Green means go, yellow means caution, and red means stop. It might seem like those colors are straightforward, but drivers sometimes misinterpret them. A green light doesn’t give you a free pass to blitz through—always keep an eye out for pedestrians and cyclists.

Once you’ve assessed everything—looked left and right, confirmed the traffic signal, and scanned for pedestrians—you’re finally in the clear. It’s all about making that conscious decision to prioritize safety for everyone on the road.

Bringing It All Together

So, next time you roll up to an intersection, remember: a little glance left and right can save lives. It’s more than just a question on a test; it’s a practice that enhances your driving experience. Fostering this habit can not only ease your nerves as you prepare for your DMV written test, but it can also make the roads a safer place for everyone.

Reflecting on a question like “What should you always do at intersections?” helps solidify these essential practices. Looking left and right becomes second nature with time and experience, building your confidence as a driver. Ultimately, it’s all intertwined—safety, confidence, and knowledge. So, buckle up and hit those intersections with a well-informed mindset. Safe driving starts with you!