Definition - What does controlled intersection mean?
A controlled intersection refers to the junction between two separate roads with the installation of traffic lights, road signs, or yield signs representing the base points-of-access for motorists to follow, helping modulate traffic flow at an intersection. While a controlled intersection is a vital component of municipal infrastructure to facilitate travel in congested areas and locations, a motorist must adhere to right-of-way rules where traffic conflicts pose hazardous scenarios.
SureHire explains controlled intersection
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) accounts for a high percentage of automotive accidents occurring at intersections, figuring cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists into the equation for vehicular-related fatalities. At controlled intersections, drivers are familiar with color-coded signals (i.e. traffic lights) where dense traffic is a regular phenomenon; conversely, stop signs and 4-way stop signs can appear at intersections, and can be sufficient where traffic flow is minimal. Although controlled intersections provide a neutral system for commuting and traveling purposes, motorists carry the responsibility to practice safe driving skills via right-of-way methods based on different circumstances to avoid collisions with other vehicles.
Traffic conflicts can present immediate dangers at controlled intersections without exercising discretion in advance, for example, yielding to oncoming traffic in the opposite lanes along with passing cyclists/pedestrians before completing a left turn. Motorists should observe their surroundings upon approaching a controlled intersection, ensuring a clear path since the right-of-way privilege often reflects objective guesswork from otherwise negligent drivers prone to traffic law violations (i.e. running a red light). Workplace driver safety programs are a dynamic approach to cover methods handling a vehicle at controlled intersections, stressing caution and compliance to traffic laws to help curb the incidence rate against work-related accidents on the road.
