Risk conditions

You can avoid creating dangerous situations by keeping your speed low enough. This gives you the opportunity to get your bearings or stop before the intersection. If the intersection is traffic-regulated, there are a number of things you need to pay special attention to - you can read about them on the following pages. Otherwise, the same risk factors apply at intersections as when changing lanes and driving in front of others

Orientation and maneuvering

You need to learn how to notice and handle the following hazards when approaching intersections:
- Poor visibility in the intersection.
- Signs that the driver in front of you is slowing down or stopping, for example to enter a driveway just before the intersection.
- Signs that the driver in front of you is slowing down or stopping abruptly for a yellow light or to turn.
- Signs that the driver in the left or right lane suddenly changes lanes and pulls in front.
- Signs that pedestrians - especially children and the elderly - on the corners of the intersection will cross the roadway - even if they have a red light.
- Signs that drivers coming from the left or right are not observing their right of way.

Location for right turns.

Location for left turns.

Location for left turns on roads with one-way traffic.

Location at straight exit.

Location for left turns on a 3-lane road.

Approaching intersections - this is how you do it:

- As you approach the intersection, be aware of any signal lights, mandatory lanes, right of way and visibility conditions.
- Show your fellow drivers that you intend to respect your right of way.
- Position yourself in the correct lane.
- Look out for pedestrians crossing the roadway or at any pedestrian crossing.
- If the road has two or more lanes for traffic traveling in the same direction, but no lane arrows, you must stay in the rightmost lane when turning right and the leftmost lane when turning left. If you are driving straight ahead, find the lane that is most appropriate.
- If the road has no marked lanes, before a right turn, position yourself as far to the right on the roadway as possible. For left turns, position yourself in the center of the lane.
- On roads with one-way traffic, position yourself at the left edge of the lane when turning left.

And this is what you do at intersections with poor visibility where you have the right of way:

- Reduce speed gradually at an appropriate distance from the intersection to show that you will respect your right of way and so that you can stop within the distance of the intersection with the crossing road or at a shark fence, stop line or pedestrian crossing.
- If visibility is poor, it may be necessary to drive a short distance over a pedestrian crossing, stop line or shark fence to get a good view.
- Even if visibility is good, you should stop if a sign, signal or other indication tells you to stop.
- Whether there is a crosswalk or not, stop if necessary for pedestrians crossing the intersection.

Intersections with poor visibility where traffic from the side roads has the right of way:
- Even if you are not the one with the right of way, you must approach the intersection at a sufficiently low speed to stop if the side road traffic misses you.

Intersections with poor visibility where the exit is over the sidewalk, shoulder or bike path:
- Keep back for pedestrians on the sidewalk and drivers on the bike path or roadway.
- Drive forward slowly. If it's necessary to drive a short distance over the sidewalk, shoulder or bike path to get a good view, do so - and stop.

Intersections with a good overview:
- Here you only stop if there is a stop sign or if conditions make it necessary.

Intersection with signal control:
- If the light is red or you can see that it will soon change to red, prepare to stop.
- Stop before a pedestrian crossing or stop line if the signal is red.
- If the signal changes from green to yellow and braking could cause a hazardous situation, continue into the intersection.
- You will stop for pedestrians crossing the roadway - even if they have a red light.
- Do not enter the intersection on green if the traffic prevents you from fully crossing the intersection. This can cause you to block crossing road users when they get the green light.

Signal lights at intersections

- Main signals. At a red light, stop at the stop line. If there is no stop line, stop at a safe distance from the intersection.
- Red and yellow lights at the same time also mean stop, but indicate that it will soon turn green.
- As you know, a green light means you can drive if the road is clear.
- Yellow lights mean stop and indicate that it will soon turn red.

- Signals without green light (repeat signals or minus green). For drivers who are stopped in the middle of the intersection and want to turn left, the signal shows when the oncoming light changes from extended green to yellow and red. At intersections where the oncoming light does not change at the same time as it does in your direction of travel, the signal may be set up at the corners of the intersection.

- Arrow signals in red, yellow or green apply to drivers heading in the direction indicated by the arrow.

1. Stop driving in the direction of the officer's back and chest.

2. Stop driving in the direction of the officer's back and chest.

3. Stop for all traffic directions at an intersection.

4. Driving in the direction along the officer's arms is allowed.

Unconditional right of way

The unconditional right of way is sometimes marked with a STOP sign. Other times, it is marked by an unconditional right of way sign or shark teeth (guard line).

The marking can only be omitted in places where the road design clearly shows that there is an unconditional right of way, for example exiting from a pedestrian street, recreation and play area, field road, path or similar.

In these places you have an unconditional right of way, even if it is not indicated by a special road marking:
- Exiting a road over a pavement, cycle path or a shoulder that is raised above the level of the roadway. In addition, the crossing must be made clear by the surface of the crossing being paved differently from the side road (e.g. cobblestones, concrete blocks) or by the pavement and/or cycle path being continuous on the main road, or by it being narrowed in relation to the width of the road.

Lane striping

- Lane line and wide Dotted edge line in front of an intersection shows that it is still allowed to change lanes.

- Barrier line and wide continuous edge line in front of an intersection indicate that it is no longer allowed to change lanes.

- Wide edge line delineates the lanes from which you cannot continue straight ahead, but must turn left or right, depending on the arrow markings.

- Lane arrows indicate that the lane should be used for driving in the direction the arrows are pointing.

- Double lane arrow applies to two intersections that follow each other.

- No-turn arrows apply to an intersection located after a side road that you are not allowed to turn into. The prohibition will also be indicated with traffic signs.

- Give way lines are usually called shark teeth. They show that you have an unconditional right of way, meaning that you must stop for all traffic on the crossing road.

- Triangle symbol shows that you have unconditional right of way at the next intersection.

- Stop shows that you have a duty to stop and that you have an unconditional right of way at the intersection.

- Stop line shows where to stop in connection with a stop sign, red signal light or other stop sign.

- Traffic light warns of a traffic light ahead.

- Accident intersections indicate that the intersection is particularly accident prone.

- The highway shows that the crossing traffic has an unconditional right of way if the signs do not indicate otherwise.

- Main road ends.

- Suspended arrow markings and Lanes at intersections indicate the directions of travel at intersections for which the lanes are intended.

- Mandatory driving direction shows in which direction you must drive.

- Right turns are prohibited.

- Left turns are prohibited.

- Unconditional right of way.

- Advance stop warning is used in conjunction with unconditional right of way.

- Bi-directional bike lane shows that there is a bi-directional bike lane on the transverse road.

- Dead end road with pathway.

- Arrow signposts guide you to geographical points of interest, but also to ports, airports, attractions, service facilities and more.

- Exit signs show distances to geographical points of interest and more and are placed where the exit lane begins.

- Table viewer shows distance to the guidance target, route number and optionally other information.

- Orientation boards are available as Portal Orientation Boards, Diagram Orientation Boards, Lane Orientation Boards, Table Orientation Boards and show directions to geographical landmarks and more.

Approximately 375 accidents per year

Approximately 200 accidents per year

When driving straight ahead at intersections, risk conditions often arise because some road users follow the vehicle in front without orienting themselves sufficiently. Other road users expect oncoming drivers who want to turn left - especially at light-controlled intersections - to stop as they should. Unfortunately, this is not always the case - which is why this situation is the cause of many accidents. Dangerous situations can arise if the distance and speed to crossing traffic is misjudged or if crossing pedestrians are overlooked. Young drivers are involved in many straight-ahead accidents, usually because the right of way is not respected or an oncoming driver is overlooked. Straight-ahead driving seems so easy and precise, which is why it can easily go wrong.

Approximately 50 accidents per year

Approximately 75 accidents per year

Approximately 250 accidents per year

Approximately 350 accidents per year

Approximately 50 accidents per year

Approximately 200 accidents per year

Orientation and maneuvering

You need to learn to recognize and deal with the following hazards when driving straight ahead at intersections:
- Drivers with poor orientation conditions, for example children and elderly people on bicycles, moped riders or motorcyclists in bad weather.
- Vehicles with special speed characteristics that can take a long time to pass the intersection.

- Motorcycles, mopeds and racing bikes whose speed characteristics can easily be underestimated.
- Vehicles that take up less space in the picture and can be easily overlooked when in the company of larger vehicles.
- Signs that oncoming traffic is turning left without stopping for you.
- Signs that a cyclist or moped rider in front of you will turn left without looking.
- Drivers slowing down or stopping to turn into a driveway or similar just after the intersection.
- Pedestrians on the far corners of the intersection.

After stopping at an intersection, make sure there is a clear lane to go straight and then get moving as quickly as possible.

Straight ahead at intersections - here's how you do it.

Intersections with poor visibility and at intersections where you have the right of way:
- At the intersection with the cross road, at shark teeth, at the stop line or where you have a good view, orient yourself several times to both sides.
- Is the gap in traffic long enough for you to cross the intersection without forcing others to slow down or change position?
- At intersections with a right-hand right of way, you judge whether the drivers coming from the left are complying with their right of way. If not, hold back.
- Look for pedestrians stepping into the road at the opposite corners of the intersection.
- Also, check for a clear lane ahead before entering the intersection.

Approximately 50 accidents per year.

Approximately 60 accidents per year.

Approximately 20 accidents per year.

Approximately 50 accidents per year.

How to make a right turn at an intersection:

- Signal in good time to show that you want to turn right.
- Keep your speed low enough so that you can get a good idea of the conditions at the intersection in good time. Are there bike lanes and how are any cyclists and moped riders positioned?
- Position yourself in the correct lane. Pull right up to the edge of the lane or curb to prevent cyclists and moped riders from driving on the right side of the car. That way you know they're not on the side of the car when you turn.
- Is there an opportunity to overtake any cyclists and moped riders before you pull out into the right turn lane? If not, pull in behind them - and not too close.
- After stopping, orient yourself carefully to both sides and especially in the blind spot to the rear right, where cyclists and moped riders can easily be hidden.
- If you have the right of way, assess whether the gap in traffic from the left is large enough for you to turn right without forcing others to slow down or change position.
- Are left-turning drivers complying with their right of way?
- Are oncoming drivers who want to turn left holding back?
- Look out for pedestrians entering the intersection.
- Turn as quickly as possible when there is a clear lane. Remember to take into account the sharpness of the corner and road grip.

Right turns at intersections - how to make right turns at intersections with bike lanes with and without bike lanes:

Look for cyclists and moped riders, both those approaching from the front (on a two-way bike path) and those approaching from behind, and cyclists in bike lanes. Can you turn right without forcing them to slow down or stop?

Intersections with signal control:
- After stopping for a red light, keep an eye on the signal light and any arrow signals.
- Avoid focusing all your attention on the traffic lights, also keep an eye on traffic in the intersection, especially pedestrians crossing the roadway. Even if they have a red light.
- Look for oncoming traffic that wants to turn left. Are there any signs that they will turn without stopping?
- Judge whether cyclists and moped riders stop for red bicycle signals before turning.

T-junction with turning from side road:
Stop if necessary to find a gap in traffic from the left that is large enough for you to turn right. Also pay attention at right-turn T-junctions because drivers on the crossing road often drive as if traffic from the side road has an unconditional right of way.

Left turns at intersections are one of the most dangerous maneuvers in traffic. Some drivers have a tendency to follow the vehicle in front without orienting themselves sufficiently. In addition, many drive too fast through the turn and lose control of the car.

Some people expect drivers from the side to always obey their right of way or respect the traffic lights. But this is not always the case.

Approximately 275 accidents per year.

Approximately 175 accidents per year.

Approximately 60 accidents per year.

Approximately 50 accidents per year.

Approximately 50 accidents per year.

Approximately 70 accidents per year.

Dangerous situations can also arise if you misjudge the distance and speed of crossing traffic or oncoming traffic. Concentrating too much on oncoming traffic can also be dangerous because it can cause you to overlook other risk factors. Dangers can also arise if you pay too much attention to the signal light.
Many people drive through a green light without noticing oncoming traffic that is not yet fully out of the intersection. Some people feel annoyed or uncomfortable waiting for a long time in an exposed position in the middle of the intersection. Others get impatient because there are always oncoming traffic to stop for. Others get nervous about getting in the way when crossing traffic gets the green light. Finally, dangerous situations can arise if the road user does not properly orient themselves forwards about crossing pedestrians and backwards about cyclists and moped riders, for example on a two-way cycle path.

There are many accidents involving young drivers when turning left at intersections. The accidents are primarily caused by the left-turning driver not stopping for oncoming traffic. These accidents involve cars, bicycles and motorcycles.

Accidents often occur with drivers coming from the sides or rear-end drivers driving in the blind spot on the left side of the car.
Finally, pedestrians are at risk when they cross the lane that the left-turning driver is entering.

Orientation and maneuvering

You need to learn how to notice and handle the following hazards when turning left at intersections:
- Traffic coming from behind on the left side of the car.
- Two-way cycle path on the crossing road.
- Reduced traction due to road surface or road conditions.
- Drivers coming from the left side with special orientation difficulties.
- Vehicles whose speed characteristics can be easily underestimated.
- Vehicles that take up less space and can be easily overlooked when in the company of larger vehicles.
- Cyclists and moped riders coming from the left on a two-way cycle path.
- Oncoming drivers going straight ahead at an intersection that is partially or completely hidden by vehicles waiting to turn left.
- Pedestrians crossing the roadway or entering the crosswalk at the exit of the intersection.
- Children on the corners at the exit of the intersection.

Left turns at intersections - here's how:

- Are there people coming from behind on the left side of the car?
- Signal in good time that you want to turn left.
- Position yourself in the leftmost lane or in the mandatory lane.
- Keep your speed low enough to adapt to the visibility and right-of-way conditions.
- Keep back for oncoming traffic.
- Orientate yourself several times to both sides.
- Is the delay in the oncoming traffic or traffic from the left or right large enough to allow you to turn left or advance to the turn lane in the middle of the intersection without forcing others to slow down or change position?
- Do drivers from both sides of the intersection respect their right of way?
- If there is a two-way cycle lane on the left side of the intersection, watch out for cyclists and moped riders coming from behind.
- Look for pedestrians entering the intersection.

And you do this in all intersections:

- When positioning or advancing towards the center of the intersection, show oncoming drivers who will also be turning left how you will pass them.
- If necessary, hold back for pedestrians who are crossing the lane you are turning into or who are entering a crosswalk.
- Hold back for cyclists and moped riders entering the intersection from a bike lane.
- Position yourself on the right side of the lane you are turning into. If there are multiple lanes in the same direction, before turning, choose the lane that is most appropriate for your destination and other traffic

Intersection with signal control:

- After stopping for a red light, keep an eye on the signal light and any arrow signals.
- Don't focus all your attention on the lights, but also keep an eye on traffic in the intersection, especially pedestrians crossing the roadway. Even if they have a red light.
- Tailgate any drivers ahead who are also turning left, but only if you think you can complete the left turn before the light turns green for cross traffic.
- Judge whether oncoming traffic is holding back. Make sure the intersection is clear when the light turns yellow or shows a green left arrow and be ready to brake.
- Turn as quickly as possible when the intersection is clear and when the signal light shows green, green left arrow or the repeat signal shows yellow/red light.

Intersections where you have unconditional right of way:

- Remain stopped if necessary to wait for a sufficient gap in the oncoming traffic and traffic from the left and right sides to complete the left turn.
- If the intersection has a turn lane in the middle of the intersection or a waiting area in the middle of the road, wait there until there is enough space for a left turn.

Intersection with mandatory right of way:
- Stop at the beginning of the intersection until you can proceed without risk of blocking traffic.
- Wait sufficiently long for oncoming traffic and traffic from the right before completing the left turn.

Intersections where cross traffic has an unconditional right of way and T-junctions when turning onto a side road:

- Drive slowly towards the center of the intersection and wait until there is enough space to turn left.

If you are turning left from the center of a road without a turning lane and without a median, do not turn the front wheels to the left before you start turning.

T-junction with turn from side road:
- Here you stop at the intersection with the crossing road (possibly at shark fences or stop lines) to wait for space to turn. This also applies to T-junctions with a right turn, as drivers on the crossing road often drive as if traffic from the side road has an unconditional right of way.
- Tailgate any drivers ahead who also need to turn left, but only if you estimate that the left turn can be completed before the light changes to green for the crossing traffic.

If you drive too fast towards a roundabout, orientation becomes poor and it's difficult to comply with the right of way. If you drive too fast in the roundabout itself, it's difficult to keep the right position.

Misjudging the grip or speed of other drivers in the roundabout can also lead to hazardous situations.

Orientation and maneuvering

You need to learn how to recognize and handle the following hazards when driving in a roundabout:
- Reduced grip due to the road surface.
- Vehicles from the left side inside the roundabout with speed characteristics that can be easily underestimated.
- Oncoming cyclists and moped riders from behind who may be hidden in the blind spot behind on the right.
- Signs that as you exit the roundabout, there are cyclists and moped riders who continue even though there is a red cyclist signal, green right arrow or green light for cars.
- Pedestrians who are about to cross the roadway as you exit the roundabout.

Approaching a roundabout - here's how

- When approaching a roundabout, drive at a low enough speed to be aware of any designated lanes, traffic lights and right of way.
- Are there cyclists and mopeds to your right?
- Choose the designated lane or whichever is most appropriate.
- Before moving to the right lane, orient yourself as you would when turning right, and before moving to the left lane, as you would when turning left.
- Are there pedestrians crossing and driving from the left?
- If necessary, hold back for pedestrians.
- If you are exiting the first side road, choose the right lane and signal right.
- If you are exiting the last side road, you can signal with your left turn signal to show other road users your intention.

- Unconditional right of way.

- Mandatory driving direction to the right.