FW: [Winona] Intersections

[Glen Schumann]

 

-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Terri Hyle
Sent: Friday, January 24, 2003 11:28 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: [Winona] Intersections

[Winona Online Democracy]

"The Law states that when two or more vehicles reach an Uncontrolled Intersection...at the same time, the vehicle on the direct right has the right of way.... "

This is law, it is not always obvious to drivers new to Winona (or other locals with uncontrolled intersections) that an intersection is uncontrolled.   

GS: Any intersection without STOP or YIELD signs on either street is uncontrolled.  Any driver can determine this by being attentive and using their eyes.

 There are at least two factors  (aside from the desire to move as quickly from point A to point B) at work to make this a dangerous situation.

1.  Drivers who are accustomed to all controlled intersections will assume the same system applies in Winona, until they know otherwise. 

GS: There is no such place (with all controlled intersections). 

2. This knowledge is often delayed by the further complication of many large vehicles, such as vans, trucks, and suvs, parking along the street, and obscuring both approaching traffic from cross streets, and the fact that neither street has signage.  Of course, this is more problematic in areas of the city near the university, which attracts both students and visitors from out of town in large numbers. 

GS: I agree that there are many places in Winona/Goodview where intersections are often obscured by vehicles, vegetation and even structures such as fences.  This has nothing to do with whether an intersections is "uncontrolled".  It is a factor which should tell a driver to be more attentive to what they are doing. 

The fact that "neither street has signage" means it is an UNCONTROLLED INTERSECTION. 

Terri Hyle 

 

Glen Schumann
Winona, MN
 
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