At an uncontrolled intersection where you cannot see cross traffic until you are just about to enter the intersection, the speed limit is:
Answers
15 mph.
25 mph.
20 mph.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is 15 mph.
At an uncontrolled intersection where visibility of cross traffic is limited until you are almost in the intersection, the speed limit is typically reduced to 15 mph. This reduced speed is implemented to ensure that drivers can react safely to any potential hazards, especially when approaching intersections with limited sightlines. Let’s break down why this is important.
1. Reduced Visibility and Increased Risk:
At an uncontrolled intersection, drivers are responsible for yielding to traffic from all directions. When visibility is obstructed, such as by other vehicles, buildings, trees, or other obstacles, the ability to see cross traffic is compromised. Reducing the speed limit to 15 mph allows drivers to approach the intersection slowly enough that they can stop or adjust their speed if necessary.
2. Time to React:
At 15 mph, a driver has more time to react to any vehicles or pedestrians that may be entering the intersection. For instance, if there’s a vehicle approaching the intersection from the side, a driver moving at 15 mph will be able to stop more quickly or adjust their direction to avoid a collision. At higher speeds, the driver’s reaction time decreases, and stopping distances increase, making it harder to avoid accidents.
3. Local Traffic Laws and Safety Standards:
In areas with limited visibility, local traffic regulations often implement speed limits of 15 mph for safety reasons. These are designed to account for the unpredictable nature of crossing traffic, particularly when a driver may only be able to fully assess the situation when they are already in the intersection.
In summary, the 15 mph speed limit at uncontrolled intersections with poor visibility is a safety precaution. It ensures drivers have sufficient time to react to cross traffic and reduces the likelihood of accidents in such high-risk scenarios.