SHARING THE ROAD

Drivers of cars and trucks share the road with others. You must know the laws that apply to other roadway users, including: police/emergency vehicles, trucks, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, moped operators, snowmobiles, slow-moving vehicles, horseback riders and children.

Police/Emergency Vehicles

All motorists must yield the right-of-way and immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection. Stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.

Upon approaching a stationary emergency vehicle, a driver should, when safe to do so, move into a lane not adjacent to the emergency vehicle, reduce speed and proceed with caution.

Construction Workers

Upon approaching a construction zone, drivers are required to reduce speed to the posted limit. Where possible, drivers also must move into a lane not adjacent to workers. Failure to reduce speed or change lanes that results in an accident subjects the driver to a maximum fine of $10,000 and the loss of driving privileges for 90 days to two years. Drivers who recklessly drive through a construction zone and cause the death of another person may be jailed for three to 28 years. The minimum fine for speeding in a construction zone is $375. Repeat offenders are fined $1,000. Drivers ticketed twice in two years for speeding in a construction zone will lose their driving privileges for 90 days.

Pedestrians

Without a vehicle or protective equipment, pedestrians are most at risk in traffic. Drivers and pedestrians are both responsible for traffic safety. A simple rule is that drivers should always be prepared to yield the right-of way to pedestrians.

• TRAFFIC SIGNALS, WALKLIGHTS and CROSSINGS: Pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to drivers by obeying traffic signals, observing walk lights and using crosswalks.

–WALK (constantly lighted): Pedestrians facing the signal may cross the roadway in the direction of the signal. –DON’T WALK (flashing): Pedestrians may not start entering the roadway. A pedestrian who has partly completed crossing during the constantly lighted WALK may continue to a sidewalk or safety island. –DON’T WALK (constantly lighted): Pedestrians may not enter the roadway. –YELLOW LIGHT (constant): Pedestrians may not cross unless directed by a pedestrian control sign or police officer.

• CROSSING A ROAD: When crossing at any place other than a marked or unmarked crosswalk, pedestrians must give the right-of-way to drivers. This includes between closely-spaced intersections where traffic signals are in operation.
• TUNNELS and PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS: A pedestrian tunnel or pedestrian crossing bridge should be used when available.
• ROADWAYS: Pedestrians must not walk on a roadway unless there is no sidewalk or shoulder next to it. Under these conditions, pedestrians should always walk as close to the outside edge of the road as possible. In two-way traffic, pedestrians should walk facing oncoming traffic.

If a highway does not have a sidewalk but has a shoulder, pedestrians should always walk on the shoulder as far from the roadway as possible. Pedestrians should not walk on a highway when under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

• HITCHHIKING: Hitchhiking is standing on the roadway to ask for a ride. It is illegal to hitchhike. If convicted, a pedestrian may be fined up to $2,500 and given a jail sentence of up to one year.
• SOLICITING: Soliciting means to ask for something. Pedestrians should not stand on or next to a highway to ask drivers or passengers for the following:
  
  –employment or business
  
  –contributions, unless allowed by a permit issued by a city or town.
  
  –money for guarding or watching any vehicle while parked or about to be parked.

If convicted, the pedestrian may be fined up to $2,500 and given a jail sentence of up to one year.

• JOGGERS and WALKERS: Joggers and walkers should use jogging paths when provided. On public roads, joggers should try to select wide roads with good shoulders. They should face oncoming traffic and remember to look and listen for cars. At night or anytime visibility is poor, joggers and walkers should be in well-lighted areas and wear reflective clothing.
  
  
• MOVING VEHICLES: Pedestrians must not run or walk into the path of a moving vehicle.
• EMERGENCY VEHICLES: Pedestrians should always yield to emergency and police vehicles using sirens and or flashing lights.
• GATES and BARRIERS: Pedestrians must always obey railroad and bridge gates and other barriers.

Bicyclists

On most roadways, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other roadway users. Bicyclists are prohibited on limited-access highways, expressways and certain other marked roadways. Following are laws and safety tips you should know:

• Bicyclists are required to travel in the same direction as vehicles.
• Bicyclists should travel just to the right of faster moving traffic. However, certain hazards, such as rough surfaces, debris, drainage grates or a narrow traffic lane, may require bike riders to move toward the center of the lane.
• Drivers must yield the right-of-way to a bicyclist just as they would to another vehicle.
• When passing a bicyclist do so slowly and leave at least 3 feet of passing space.
• A motorist should not park or drive in marked bike lanes.
• When following bicyclists, give them plenty of room and be prepared to stop quickly. Use extra caution during rainy and icy weather. At night do not use high beams when you see an oncoming bicycle rider.
• After parking and before opening vehicle doors, a motorist should first check for bicyclists.
• When a motorist is turning left and there is a bicyclist entering the intersection from the opposite direction, the driver should wait for the bicyclist to pass before making the turn. Also, if a motorist is sharing the left turn lane with a bicyclist, stay behind them until they have safely completed their turn.
• If a motorist is turning right and a bicyclist is approaching on the right, let the bicyclist go through the intersection first before making a right turn. Remember to always signal your turns.

Motorcyclists

Motorcycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities as other roadway users. There is an increasing number of motorcycle riders on our roadways. Because of size and vulnerability in a crash, it is important to pay special attention to motorcycles.

• INTERSECTIONS: More than 50 percent of all motorcycle collisions occur at intersections. The most common situation occurs when an oncoming automobile makes a left turn in front of a motorcycle. Watch for motorcycles before turning and yield the right-of-way. Be particularly careful when making a left turn across lanes of oncoming traffic. Always use your signals and look in all directions before making the turn. Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle — motorcycle signals usually are not self-cancelling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.
• VISIBILITY: The failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the most common cause of motorcycle collisions. Include motorcycles in your visual search pattern. Due to their small size, motorcycles may be difficult to see, and motorists tend to underestimate their speed. Expect to see motorcycles in traffic at any time, not just in the spring and summer. Drivers involved in collisions often report not seeing the motorcycle or seeing it too late to avoid a collision.
  
  
• LANE SHARING: Traffic conditions and road surfaces will determine the area within the lane that the motorcyclist will use. Oil spills, potholes, gravel or debris may require the motorcyclist to adjust positions within the lane. Although there may be enough room in the traffic lane for an automobile and a motorcyclist, remember that the motorcyclist needs the room to maneuver safely and is entitled to the entire lane. Do not share the lane.
• PASSING: When your automobile is being passed by a motorcycle, you should maintain your lane position and speed. Allow the motorcycle to complete the maneuver and assume proper lane position as quickly as possible.
  
  
• FOLLOWING DISTANCE: Allow at least three to four seconds following distance when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver in an emergency. In dry conditions motorcycles can stop more quickly than a car. Dim headlights when following all vehicles, including motorcycles.
• STOPPING DISTANCE: Motorcycles can stop in a shorter distance than a car. A motorcyclist's ability to stop quickly may also depend on the rider's experience and training.
• ROAD CONDITIONS: Motorcycles react differently to traffic, weather and road conditions than cars. Thus, riders often respond in ways drivers do not expect. Weather presents hazards by changing the conditions of a road. Wet or icy roads impair a motorcyclist's ability to brake and maneuver. Wind gusts, both natural and those created by large passing vehicles, can move a motorcycle across an entire lane if the rider is not prepared. Road conditions, such as potholes or railroad tracks, often require motorcyclists to change positions within their lane. Gravel roads decrease traction and may cause a rider to slow down or brake where a car would not.
  
  
• IN CASE OF A COLLISION: Motorcyclists are only protected by their helmet, eye protection, boots, gloves and durable clothing. In the event of a collision, use extreme caution and seek emergency medical assistance.

Moped Operators

Motorized pedalcycles, often called mopeds, are low-speed, two-wheeled vehicles. They can be pedaled like a bicycle or driven like a motorcycle. Mopeds are intended for limited use on public roadways. Following are some of the laws and responsibilities of moped drivers:

• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Must obey all signs, signals and traffic laws and most bicycle laws.
• A moped may not go over 30 mph.
• Moped drivers may carry a passenger only when the moped is made for two people. Equipment must include a passenger seat and a passenger footrest.
• If a moped is driven at night, it must have a headlight visible from at least 500 feet. A moped also must have a red reflector on the rear visible from at least 100 to 600 feet.

Snowmobiles

During the winter, drivers may share the roadway with snowmobiles. Use care when driving in areas with snowmobile warning signs. For information on snowmobile registration and operating requirements, contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-382-1696 or 217-557-0180.

Slow-Moving Vehicles

Certain slow-moving farm vehicles, construction equipment and vehicles drawn by animals may share our roadways. Use caution and prepare to slow down when approaching and passing slow-moving vehicles from the rear.

• CLOSING SPEEDS: Normal speeds for slow-moving vehicles may range from 5 to 20 mph. When a vehicle traveling at normal highway speed approaches a slow-moving vehicle from the rear, the speed deferential will dramatically shorten the time it takes to reach the slow-moving vehicle.
• TURNS & PASSING: Slow-moving vehicles may make wide turns and may turn right or left at any time into unmarked entrances. When approaching from the rear, stay a safe distance behind the vehicle until it is safe to pass, then be certain the driver has seen you and is aware of your intent to pass before you begin.
• EMBLEM: An orange slow-moving vehicle emblem must be on the rear of the vehicle.
• REAR LIGHT: When lights are required, a flashing amber signal must be mounted as high as possible on the rear of the vehicle. It must be visible for 500 feet in sunlight. Other devices to identify slow-moving vehicles may include reflectors, rotating or oscillating amber lights.
• LANE USAGE: Slower traffic must drive in the right-hand lane. The left lane is for passing and turning. Slow-moving vehicles may be wider than the lane width. It may be necessary for these wide vehicles to temporarily move into an adjoining lane to avoid roadside obstructions.

Horseback Riders

Horseback riders may use public roadways. Exceptions are limited access highways and most expressways. Horseback riders must ride with traffic and as far to the right as possible. Never sound a horn when you are near a horse. The sound may frighten it and cause an accident. When meeting or passing a horseback rider, do so with caution and be prepared to stop.

Children

Children often forget the dangers of playing near traffic. Some are not old enough to realize the risks of playing in or crossing the streets. Drivers and parents must use care to ensure the safety of children.

• OBSERVE SIGNS: Drivers should watch for signs that mark special hazard areas such as school zones, bus stops, playgrounds, parks and schools.
• BE WATCHFUL AND READY TO REDUCE SPEED: Drivers should be extra careful in residential areas, school areas and places where children are most likely to be.
• BE CAREFUL BACKING UP: Drivers should be extremely watchful when backing in or out of a driveway when children are near.
• TEACH CHILDREN: Parents should teach children the rights and responsibilities of pedestrians at an early age.
• ASSIGN PLAY AREAS: Parents should assign special play areas for children. Make sure children do not play in or near streets, driveways or other dangerous areas.

Trucks

When sharing the road with trucks, buses or other large vehicles, there are some special tips that are important to remember.

• When following a large vehicle, stay out of its "blind spots". Position your vehicle so the driver can see it in the side mirrors.
• Pay close attention to turn signals, and give large vehicles plenty of room to maneuver and make turns. Large vehicles make wide right turns and sometimes leave an open space to the right just before the turn.
• Size and weight affect a vehicle’s ability to maneuver and stop. Always allow extra space for large vehicles.
• When following a truck at night, always dim your headlights. Bright lights will blind the driver of the large vehicle when they reflect off of the large side mirrors.
• When passing a truck, let the driver know you are passing by blinking your headlights, especially at night. The driver will make it easier for you by staying to the far side of the lane. Complete your pass as quickly as possible, and don’t stay along side the vehicle.

WHEN SHARING THE ROAD WITH TRUCKS
AVOID THESE FOUR BLIND SPOTS:
	Don't return to the driving lane until you can see the entire front of the truck in your rear view mirror. If you can't see one of the truck driver's side mirrors, he or she can't see you. If you can't see the truck driver in his or her side mirror, he or she can't see you. Don't enter the area between the curb or shoulder and the truck if the truck is signaling a turn.

Source: http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com