علائم و مسائل رانندگی به زبان انگلیسی

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COLOR: Red, with white letters.

MEANING: Come to a full stop, yield the right-of-way to vehicles and pedestrians in or approaching the intersection. Go when it is safe. You must come to a stop before the stop line, if there is one. If not, you must stop before entering the crosswalk. (See "Stop and Crosswalk Lines" under the "Pavement Markings" section of this chapter.) If there is no stop line or crosswalk, you must stop before entering the intersection, at the point nearest the intersection that gives you a view of traffic on the intersecting roadway.

 

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YIELD Sign

COLOR: Red and white, with red letters.

MEANING: Slow down as you approach the intersection. Prepare to stop and yield the right-of-way to vehicles and pedestrians in or approaching the intersection. You must come to a full stop at a YIELD sign if traffic conditions require it. When you approach a YIELD sign, check carefully for traffic, and be prepared to stop.

 

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STOP

PROCEED

SLOW

 

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SERVICE Signs

COLOR: Blue, with white letters or symbols.
MEANING: Show the location of services, such as rest areas, gas stations, hospitals and campgrounds.

 

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Traffic Lights

Traffic lights are usually red, yellow and green from top to bottom, or left to right. At some intersections, there are single red, yellow or green lights. Some traffic lights are steady, others flash. Some are circular, and some are arrows.
State law requires that if the traffic lights or controls are out of service or malfunctioning when you approach an intersection, you must come to a stop as you would for a stop sign. You must then proceed according to the rules of right of way, unless you are directed to proceed by a traffic officer.

 

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Here is what various traffic lights mean:

STEADY RED: Stop. Do not go until the light is green. If a green arrow is shown with the red light, you may go only in the direction of the arrow and only if the way is clear.
You may make a right turn at a steady red light after coming to a full stop and yielding the right-of-way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. You may make a left turn at a steady red light when turning from a one-way road into another one-way road after coming to a full stop and yielding the right-of-way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
You may not make a turn at a red light if there is a NO TURN ON RED sign posted, or another sign, signal or pavement marking prohibits the turn. Also, turning on a red light is not allowed in New York City unless a sign is posted permitting it.
The driver of a school bus carrying pupils may not turn right on any red light.

 

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Edge and Lane Lines

Solid lines along the side of the road tell you where its edge is - where the travel lane ends and the road's shoulder begins. It is illegal to drive across the edge line, except when directed to do so by a police officer or other authorized official. An edge line which slants toward the center of the road shows that the road is narrower ahead.

Lines separating lanes of traffic moving in the same direction are white. Lines separating traffic moving in opposite directions are yellow. There may be two lines between lanes, and lines may be solid or broken. Read Chapter 6 for the rules on passing other vehicles.

 

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Here are what some lane lines mean:

Single broken line: You may pass other vehicles or change lanes if you can do so safely and not interfere with traffic.

 

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SCHOOL BUSES

When a stopped school bus flashes its red light(s), traffic approaching from either direction, even in front of the school and in school parking lots, must stop before reaching the bus. You should stop at least 20 feet (6 m) away from the bus. You can identify this bus by a "SCHOOL BUS" sign, the red lights on top, and its unique yellow/orange color.
Before a school bus stops to load or unload passengers, the driver will usually flash yellow warning lights. When you see them, slow down and be prepared to stop.
Once stopped for a school bus, you may not drive again until the red lights stop flashing or when the bus driver or a traffic officer waves you on. This law applies on all roadways in New York State. You must stop for a school bus even if it is on the opposite side of a divided highway.
After stopping for a school bus, watch for children along the side of the road. Drive slowly until you have passed them.
Safety Tip: Most school bus-related deaths and injuries occur while children are crossing the street after leaving the bus, not in collisions involving school buses.
Keep in mind that vehicles transporting disabled persons may be equipped as school buses, and you must stop for them just as you would for other school buses.
The fine for passing a stopped school bus ranges from a minimum of $250 for a first violation to a maximum of $1,000 for three violations in three years. In addition, if you are convicted of three such violations in three years, your license will be revoked for a minimum of six months.

 

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HOW TO PARK

Many motorists consider parallel parking the most difficult part of driving. But practice will teach you how to back up properly and to judge distances and angles. Patience and self confidence will help you master the task.
The following instructions are basic and general. You must adjust parallel parking procedures to the particular situation. Plenty of practice is the only way to learn properly.

1. 
   Select a space that is large enough for your vehicle on your side of the road. Check your mirrors before stopping, and signal to alert other drivers. Pull up alongside the vehicle in front of the space, leaving about two feet between the other vehicle and yours.
2. 
   Look behind you over both shoulders to make sure you will not interfere with pedestrians or oncoming traffic. Back up slowly, and begin to turn your steering wheel all the way toward the near curb. Look through the rear window, not the rearview mirrors, as you back up. Check to the side and front occasionally to make sure you are clearing the vehicle ahead.
3. 
   When your front wheels are opposite the rear bumper of the vehicle ahead, turn the steering wheel the other way while continuing to back up. Make sure you clear the vehicle ahead. Look back, and stop to avoid bumping the vehicle behind you.
4. 
   Straighten your wheels, and pull forward. Allow room for the vehicles ahead and behind you to get out. In your final parking position, your wheels must be no more than one foot (30 cm) from the curb.

To get closer to the curb, alternately pull forward and back up, turning the steering wheel first toward the curb and then quickly straight again.
After parking, remember that you may not open the door on the road side if it will interfere with traffic.

 

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EXPRESSWAY DRIVING

"Expressway" means any divided highway where traffic is going in one direction on two or more lanes. You usually enter or exit the expressway by using ramps (controlled-access). The speed limit is usually 55 mph (88 km/h), but may be posted at 65 mph (100 km/h) in some rural areas. Examples are the New York State Thruway, major interstate routes, and parkways.
Before traveling an expressway, identify your entrance and exit points on a road map. Know where to get on and off the expressway, and be prepared to get into the proper lanes for your entrance and exit. If you miss an exit, however, never back up to get back on the expressway. Get off at the next exit, and look for signs that tell you how to get back on the expressway going the other way. There will usually be an exit for your destination from that side of the expressway.

Unless there is a STOP or YIELD sign or traffic light on the entrance ramp, use the ramp to accelerate to expressway speed and blend with traffic. Signal, then look over your shoulder for approaching traffic already on the expressway. If necessary, slow down to safely merge into traffic.
If the entrance lane is too short to allow acceleration to expressway speed, the safest way to enter is to stop and wait for a large gap in traffic. Then enter the expressway and accelerate quickly. To avoid conflicts with other entrance lane traffic, stop only if necessary and merge into expressway traffic as soon as possible.
As you drive on the expressway, be sure to signal all lane changes and check over your shoulder to be sure you will not cut off any vehicles behind you. Make sure your directional signal goes off after you change lanes.
Stay alert for traffic entering ahead. If possible, move out of the right lane as you approach entrances to allow more room for merging traffic.
To avoid a last-minute lane change, check destination and exit signs, and get into the proper lane for your exit well ahead of time. Be sure to signal your exit at least 100 feet (30 m) before you reach the exit ramp. Once you are on the exit ramp, slow down. There is often a lower speed posted for the ramp.
After you leave an expressway, look for speed limit signs and check your speedometer to be sure you're driving within the posted limit. You are probably no longer on a 55 mph (88 km/h) road.
Expressway driving usually combines high speeds with heavy traffic, and you must be alert. The higher speed and traffic volume require you to think faster and handle your vehicle more efficiently than in most other driving situations. On long trips, plan frequent rest stops. On a bright day, sunglasses can reduce glare and eye fatigue.

 

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NIGHT DRIVING

About 90 percent of your driving decisions are based on what you see. At night, you must use extra caution to make up for reduced visibility. You should also be aware that the ability to see well at night generally declines with age.
Night driving is more dangerous because the distance you can see ahead or to the side is reduced. You should drive slower than you would in daylight, especially in unfamiliar areas or on narrow, winding roads. Your headlights cover about 350 feet ahead. It is important that you drive at a speed that allows you to react and stop safely within that distance. This is called "driving within the range" of your headlights.
The law requires you to use your headlights from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, when visibility is less than 1,000 feet (300 m) and whenever you are using your windshield wipers to clear rain, snow, sleet, etc. Turn your headlights on at dawn and dusk and in fog, too. Even when headlights do not help you see in low light periods, they make it much easier for other drivers and pedestrians to see your vehicle. Do not use parking lights or daytime running lights as a substitute, headlights do a better job. If an approaching driver flashes headlights at you during a period of low visibility, it probably means your vehicle was hard to see, and you should turn on your headlights.
Be considerate in using your high beams. Your headlights must be on low beam when you are within 500 feet (150 m) of an approaching vehicle, or within 200 feet (60 m) of a vehicle ahead of you, even if the vehicle ahead is in a different lane. You should also dim your lights for pedestrians approaching you.
If an approaching driver does not dim his or her lights, flash yours to high beam for a second, then back to low beam. To help avoid the glare of approaching high beams, shift your eyes to the right. Use the road edge as a guide until the approaching vehicle passes by.
To reduce glare from the lights of following vehicles, switch your interior rear view mirror to the "night" position.
Light from inside your vehicle or from street lights makes it harder for you to see the road ahead. Keep the interior dome light off and dim the dashboard lights. Adjust your sun visor to reduce glare from overhead lights.
You cannot see well at night with dirty headlights or windows. A dirty windshield greatly increases glare from approaching headlights. Make sure your lights and glass are clean for night driving.

 

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DRIVING IN RAIN, FOG, OR SNOW

Experienced drivers know that even just a thin coating of rain, snow or ice makes roads slippery. And wet leaves can be especially slippery and hazardous. You can improve your driving safety by slowing down under these conditions and by increasing your following distance (see Chapter 8). Be extra careful on curves, turns and expressway ramps.
In heavy rain, your vehicle's tires may begin to actually ride on the water lying on top of the road pavement. This "hydroplaning" can cause complete loss of traction and steering control. Hydroplaning usually occurs at higher speeds, but it also can occur if your vehicle's tires are tread worn or improperly inflated. When there is heavy rain, it is almost always wise to drive more slowly. If your vehicle begins losing traction, slow down even more. Good tires with deep tread help prevent hydroplaning.
Rain, fog, or snow makes it harder to see out through your vehicle's windshield, and difficult for other drivers to see you. New York State law requires you to turn on your vehicle's headlights whenever the weather conditions would ordinarily require the use of windshield wipers to clear rain, snow, sleet, and other precipitation. "Daytime running lights" do not qualify as headlights. If your windshield wipers cause streaks or smears, the blades must be replaced.
High headlight beams reflect off rain, fog and falling snow. This makes it even harder for you to see where you are going. For better visibility during these weather conditions, keep your vehicle's headlights on low beam. Reduce your speed. Signal your turns further ahead of time than usual to give other drivers and roadway users increased warning. Brake early when slowing behind another vehicle or coming to an intersection stop.
Some vehicles have front fog lights, or front and rear fog lights, for use when heavy fog or similar hazardous weather conditions seriously restrict the driver's visibility. In New York State, all fog lights must be properly installed and of a type approved by the Commissioner of DMV. Front fog lights may be amber or white in color. Rear fog lights must be red and may be larger than the vehicle's regular taillights - they are intended to give advanced warning of your vehicle's presence to the drivers behind you. When visibility improves, you should switch off your vehicle's rear fog lights to reduce the glare that might affect other drivers.

 

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WINTER DRIVING

Winter is the most difficult driving season. Not only do you have snow and ice to deal with, but there are fewer hours of daylight as well.
Before winter weather arrives, make sure your vehicle is in good condition. Make sure your vehicle has good snow tires. Put them on the vehicle early, before the first snowfall. Never combine radial and non-radial tires on the same vehicle. On front-wheel drive cars, it is best to put snow tires or "all-season" tires on all four wheels, not just the front. Tires with metal studs may be used in New York State only from October 16 through April 30.
During ice or snowstorms, especially when a traveler's advisory is issued, do not drive unless it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive, first clear the ice and snow from your vehicle, including the headlights and taillights, the windshield wipers and all of the windows. Be sure the windshield washer reservoir is adequately filled with a freeze-resistant cleaning solution.
Drive slowly. Even if your vehicle has good traction in ice and snow, other drivers will be traveling cautiously. Do not disrupt the flow of traffic by driving faster than everyone else.
In a rear-wheel drive vehicle, you can usually feel a loss of traction or the beginning of a skid. With a front-wheel drive vehicle, there may be no warning. Though front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles generally do handle better in ice and snow, they do not have flawless traction; skids can occur unexpectedly. Do not let the better feel and handling of a vehicle with front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive cause you to drive faster than you should.
Despite popular misconception, the best approach to recovering from a skid is the same for both front and rear-wheel drive vehicles. If your rear wheels start to skid:

 

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MOTORCYCLISTS

Motorcycles travel as fast as automobiles, and motorcyclists must obey the same traffic laws. But motorcyclists also share problems faced by pedestrians, bicyclists, and in-line skaters: lower visibility, less stability, and less protection.
To improve their visibility, motorcyclists are required to keep their vehicle's headlights and taillights on at all times. For protection, motorcyclists are required to wear approved helmets, as defined by USDOT federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS218), and goggles or a face shield.
It is often hard to judge how far away a motorcycle is or how fast it is approaching. Many motorcycle crashes that involve other vehicles occur when the driver of the other vehicle misjudges the motorcyclist's speed or distance, or fails to see the motorcycle at all, and then stops or turns left in front of the motorcyclist.
On most motorcycles, the directional signal does not go off automatically after a turn. Before stopping or turning in front of a motorcyclist signaling a turn, be sure the motorcyclist is actually going to turn.
A motorcyclist has the right to the full use of a lane, and motorcyclists are allowed to ride two abreast in a single lane. An experienced motorcyclist will often change position within a lane to get a clearer view of traffic, avoid hazards and be more visible to drivers. You may not pass or drive alongside a motorcycle in the same lane, and a motorcyclist may not share a lane with you.
Take care when passing a motorcyclist. Like bicycles, motorcycles can be affected by the air pressure of passing vehicles.
Because motorcyclists must take extra precautions when they come upon special highway surfaces, you should be aware of what a motorcyclist may do in certain situations:

• The motorcyclist may quickly change speed or lane position to avoid loose gravel, debris, seams or grooves in the pavement, sewer or access covers, or small animals.
• When approaching a railroad crossing, a motorcyclist may slow down and rise off the seat to cushion the rough crossing and change direction to cross the tracks at a right angle.
• On bridges with metal grates (often marked STEEL DECK BRIDGE), the motorcyclist may move to the center of the lane to compensate for the uneven surface. Stay well behind a motorcyclist in this situation.

 

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