Sharing the Road
Roads are shared by pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, truckers, buses, and emergency crews, and each has different needs and vulnerabilities. Watching for these users and giving them room keeps everyone safe.
Pedestrians and Bicyclists
Yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks, and never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk because it may be yielding to someone you cannot see. Be especially alert for children, older adults, and people with disabilities who may move slowly or unpredictably. Bicyclists have the right to use the road and often ride near the right edge or in a bike lane; give them at least three feet of space when passing and check for them before turning or opening a door.
Motorcyclists
Motorcycles are small and can be hidden by blind spots or other vehicles, so look carefully before changing lanes or turning. Give motorcyclists a full lane width and never try to share a lane with them. Allow extra following distance because motorcycles can stop quickly and are harder to see in rain or at night. Expect that a rider may shift position within the lane to avoid road hazards.
Large Trucks and No-Zones
Large trucks have big blind spots on all four sides called no-zones, including a large area directly behind and in front of the truck. If you cannot see the driver in their side mirror, they cannot see you, so avoid lingering beside a truck. Trucks need much longer distances to stop and swing wide to make right turns, so never cut in front of one or squeeze between it and the curb. Pass on the left where the blind spot is smaller and move through quickly.
School Buses and Emergency Vehicles
When a school bus shows flashing red lights and extends its stop arm, traffic in both directions on an undivided road must stop and stay stopped until the lights turn off. Watch for children crossing unexpectedly near the bus. When an emergency vehicle approaches with a siren or flashing lights, pull over to the right edge of the road and stop until it passes. If you are in an intersection, drive through it first and then pull to the right.