Nova Scotia handbook · chapter 2 · 36 min read

Rules of the Road

Rules of the Road This chapter explains the rules of the road including information about • traffic control signals • basic driving rules • parking and stopping • backing • encountering other road users

Traffic Control

Vehicle and pedestrian traffic is controlled by a series of traffic signal lights, traffic signs, and pavement markings. The local traffic authority is responsible for traffic in cities or towns, while the provincial traffic authority is responsible for all other roadways in the province.

Traffic signal lights Traffic signal lights control vehicle and pedestrian traffic at some intersections.

A green signal light means that, when it is safe, you may go unless otherwise directed by a traffic sign or a peace officer. You must yield the right of way to pedestrians in the crosswalk, including persons in wheelchairs. You must also yield to other vehicles in the intersection or those approaching so closely as to be an immediate hazard. For vehicles turning left at a green signal light, you must yield the right of way to oncoming vehicles and any pedestrians that may be in your path.
A yellow or amber signal light means that you must stop before entering the intersection, if you can stop safely.
A red signal light means that all traffic facing this signal must stop at the place marked or at the nearest side of the crosswalk.

If the traffic signal lights are not working, treat the intersection as a multi-stop. Come to a full stop, then proceed when you have the right of way and it is safe to do so. See page 44 for right-of-way rules at an intersection. Green, Yellow, and Red Signal Lights Tips:

Stop for a yellow signal unless you are too close to the intersection to stop safely. In that case, drive cautiously through the intersection.
Never speed up for a yellow signal to “beat" the red signal.
Unless there is a sign showing “no turn on red,” you may turn right on red after stopping and making sure that you can turn safely.
It is illegal to make a left turn on a red light, except for left turns at a red light from a one-way street to another one-way street.

Arrow signals

Green and Yellow Arrow Signal Lights Arrow signal lights control turning at some inter- sections. When facing a green signal light and a green arrow, turning traffic is controlled by the arrow signals and through traffic is controlled by the green signal lights. • A green arrow means that you can turn in the direction of the arrow and proceed through the intersection. • A yellow arrow means that you should stop, unless you are too close to the intersection to stop safely. In that case, drive cautiously through the intersection.

Flashing signals

Flashing Red, Yellow, and Green Signal Lights

The flashing red signal has the same meaning as the stop sign: Stop and do not go until you can enter the intersection without interfering with approaching traffic.
The flashing yellow or amber signal has the same meaning as a warning sign: Slow down and proceed with caution.

• The flashing green signal means that facing traffic may turn left, go straight ahead, or turn right.

Lane control signals Some traffic lanes are controlled by special lane-control signal lights. These are used on some commuter routes when the direction of heaviest traffic changes throughout the day. The lights are mounted directly over the lane that they control. Never drive in a lane under a red X signal, regardless of any other signs or signals. You may drive in lanes underneath a green signal, but you must obey all other signs and signals.

Traffic signs Traffic signs and pavement markings regulate the flow of traffic, warn you of conditions on the road ahead, and inform you about routes and distances. It is important to know the shapes of the signs and to understand their meanings. See Section 3 for information about signs.

Lane Control Signal Lights Crosswalk guards Crosswalk guards direct the movement of children along or across highways going to or from school. They signal drivers to stop by holding up a stop sign (paddle) facing the vehicle. Drivers must obey crossing guards appointed and employed for this purpose. Failure to do so could mean demerit points on your driving record.

Right of way

Pedestrian at an Intersection With a Marked Crosswalk An intersection is any place where two or more roads meet or cross each other, marked and unmarked. Both vehicles and pedestrians must manage to pass through this common meeting place. With more than half of all traffic collisions occurring at intersections, it is important to know and understand the rules of the road. The rules of the road are set out in the Motor Vehicle Act and its associated regulations. These rules are designed to ensure driver and pedestrian safety. Drive defensively, and be prepared to yield the right of way.

Unmarked crosswalks Every intersection has a crosswalk. Many are unmarked. Drivers must yield to pedestrians at all intersections, whether crosswalks are marked or unmarked. Pedestrian at an Intersection With an Unmarked Crosswalk

Refer to the following situations:

At intersections without traffic signals, pedestrians have the right of way if they are in marked crosswalks or in unmarked crosswalks formed by imaginary lines extending across the streets.
At intersections controlled by traffic signals, pedestrians must obey the same signals as drivers travelling in the same direction. Pedestrians should not start to cross during a red or yellow signal.
When crossing with a green signal, pedestrians have the right of way over all vehicles, including those turning across the paths of the pedestrians.
If you are moving through an intersection with a green signal, make sure you look in all directions to make sure all pedestrians have finished their crossing.
If a traffic signal changes to yellow or red while a pedestrian remains in the street, you must allow the pedestrian to complete the crossing safely.
At some intersections, special signals instruct pedestrians either to “Walk" or “Don't Walk." When these signals are operating, pedestrians must obey them rather than regular traffic signals. Pedestrians crossing with the “Walk” signal have the right of way just as they do while crossing with a green light. Intersection, Green Signal, Turning Right

Pedestrian Signal Lights Intersection Right of Way - Vehicle already in intersection • The vehicle already in the intersection has the right of way ahead of any car that has not yet entered the intersection. • When two facing vehicles approach an intersection at the same time, both drivers can move straight ahead or turn right. If one driver is going straight while the other wants to turn left, the driver who wants to turn left must yield the right of way and wait until the turn can be made safely. • When two or more vehicles reach an intersection at the same time, the car to the left must yield the right of way. • Regardless of the “right of way” you feel you have, always be 100 per cent ready to yield to any oncoming vehicles when approaching an intersection if it will avoid a collision. • Do not pass any vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk to allow a pedestrian to cross the street.

Tips:

Make a proper lane change before entering the intersection. Never change lanes while you are moving through an intersection.
When making a left turn, do not turn your wheels to the left until you are sure you can complete the turn. A collision could push your vehicle into oncoming traffic. Keep your wheels straight.

• Before starting, stopping, or turning, check to make sure that this can be done safely. • When leaving a private driveway or parking lot, stop and yield the right of way to all other vehicles and pedestrians.

Emergency vehicles Drivers of emergency vehicles and other vehicle drivers must share the responsibility of helping to deal with emergencies. Police cars, ambulances, and fire department vehicles with flashing lights and sirens have the right of way.

Follow these guidelines when approaching or being approached by an emergency vehicle:

As the emergency vehicle approaches from ahead or behind, move to the right edge or curb of the road and stop completely.
Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed, or until you are directed to move by a peace officer.
Never follow an emergency fire vehicle within 150 metres.
Never drive or park within 150 metres of an emergency vehicle that has stopped to investigate a collision or to give assistance.
Never drive a motor vehicle over a fire hose unless instructed to do so by a police officer or a firefighter. Intersection Right of Way - Vehicles reach at the same time

Emergency Vehicles Basic Rules

Driving on the right Drivers must drive on the right side of the road except when passing, turning left, or avoiding an obstruction. Slow-moving traffic must drive as closely as possible to the right edge or curb of the highway unless it is not practical to do so.

Do not hug the centre line as it poses a greater risk of head-on collision. Drive entirely or as nearly as is practical within a single lane. Don’t move from that lane until it is safe to do so.

On a multi-lane highway slower vehicles should travel in the right lane. Driving at the speed limit doesn’t entitle you to “camp” in the left lane which means to stay in the lane indefinitely. The left lane is a transition lane designed for passing. If you remain in the left lane, other drivers may try to pass you on the right. Passing on the right is not as safe as on the left because it is much more difficult to predict what everyone is going to do.

Driving on the Right

Stopping distances The speed at which you drive determines the distance required to stop your vehicle. Stopping distance also depends on your reaction time. Stopping distances are longer at higher speeds because your vehicle travels farther during your reaction time, and it takes more braking distance to come to a full stop. Even in ideal conditions, if you are travelling at 80 km/h, your vehicle requires more than 140 metres (460 feet) to stop completely. Yellow indicates reaction distance. Red indicates braking distance.

50 km per hour Reaction Distance 35 m Braking Distance 28 m Total Stopping Distance 63 m

Driving at high speeds is more dangerous. With each additional kilometre travelled per hour, you reduce your ability to control the vehicle. Speed also increases the likelihood that a crash will cause serious injury or death. 80 km per hour Reaction Distance 56 m Braking Distance 84 m Total Stopping Distance 140 m

Driving too slowly 100 km per hour Reaction Distance 69 m Braking Distance 136 m Total Stopping Distance 205 m Driving below the posted speed limit in ideal conditions can also be dangerous. Studies show that a vehicle moving at a speed considerably below the posted limit is much more likely to cause or be involved in a crash than a vehicle moving at a normal speed.

110 km per hour Reaction Distance 76 m Braking Distance 170 m Total Stopping Distance 246 m Driving slowly is especially dangerous just beyond the crest of a hill or around a curve. The slowly moving vehicle is often hidden by the hill or curve. Faster-moving vehicles may crash into the slower-moving vehicles before they can slow down.

You should not drive your vehicle at such a slow speed as to block the normal and reasonable flow of traffic. A slow driver must stop where it is safe to do so and allow blocked traffic to pass. Once the blocked traffic has passed, the slow driver may resume driving until the following traffic begins to build up.

Using the safety scan A safety scan is your best defence for avoiding hazards and other dangers. This means frequently moving your head and your eyes to check what is happening all around your vehicle. Frequently check the rearview and sideview mirrors, and be sure to do a shoulder check for your blind spots, especially before turning or changing lanes.

Blind spots

Blind Spots Rear and side view mirrors assist you in seeing what is behind your vehicle. However, there is an area on each side that you cannot see with your mirrors. These are called blind spots. They are usually to the back left and back right of your vehicle. You may not see people, vehicles, or other objects when they are in these spots. Make it a practice to turn your head to look over your shoulder checking your blind spots. It is particularly important to check your blind spots before changing lanes or turning. Two-second rule Whenever you are following other vehicles in traffic you should allow enough space to stop safely if the vehicle in front stops suddenly. One way to judge a safe following distance is to use the “two-second rule.” 1 Pick a landmark on the side of the highway ahead, such as a road sign or power pole. 2 When the vehicle you are following passes the landmark, count “one thousand and one, one thousand and two.” 3 When your vehicle reaches the landmark stop counting. If you reach the landmark before you count “one thousand and two,” you are following too close to the vehicle in front of you.

Although the two-second rule is sufficient for most driving situations, it is important to allow more distance on slippery roads or when your visibility is reduced by fog, rain, snow, or the glare of the sun, or when following large commercial vehicles that block your view of the road ahead.

You should also increase the distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you if you are carrying a heavy load. Carrying a heavy load will increase your stopping distance. You should also increase the distance between your vehicle and a smaller vehicle such as a motorcycle which can stop more quickly than you. Two-Second Rule Choosing a safe speed Despite posted speed limits, you must drive at a speed and in a manner that will not endanger the life, limb, or property of others. You must consider all circumstances including general visibility, the weather, heavy traffic, and whether the road is wet or slippery.

Never drive faster than the posted speed limit or at a speed that is not reasonable for the prevailing conditions.
Allow a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Follow the two-second rule.
The faster you are moving, the farther ahead you must be able to see to allow enough distance for stopping.

Conditions often change as you drive. You will drive through different areas such as open country, residential communities, and school zones. Watch for changing conditions and adjust your speed accordingly. Be extremely careful when driving through highway construction zones. Reduce your speed when workers are present.

Unless otherwise posted, the maximum speed permitted on any highway in Nova Scotia is 80 km/h. In business and residential districts the speed limit is 50 km/h. Regardless of posted speed limits, your speed must be reasonable and prudent and must take into account the traffic, the surface and width of the highway, and all driving conditions existing at the time.

The following is a list of situations where the maximum speed limit is set at 50 km/h: • when passing a school building or grounds during school recess, while children are going to or leaving school during opening or closing hours, or any other time that children are present where the speed limit prior to entering the School Zone is greater than 50 km/h • when passing a church while the congregation is entering or leaving the church • within 15 metres of an intersection where your view is reduced to less than 60 metres in either direction along any intersecting highway. The exception to this would be when travelling upon a through street or highway or at traffic-controlled intersections • in public parks within cities or towns, unless another rate of speed is posted • when approaching within 30 metres of a railway crossing • in a residential district • in a business district • in a danger zone

School zone When children are present in a school zone, it is an offence to drive in excess of 30 km/h in areas where the approaching speed limit is 50km/h, or 50km/h where the approaching speed limit is higher than 50km/h whatever the time of day.

Curves or sharp turns Your moving vehicle develops a force called momentum. The higher the speed, the greater the force. When you enter a curve, the momentum converts to centrifugal force. This means that the force pushes your vehicle away from the centre of the curve. Excessive speed, poor traction, or poor conditions while steering through a curve could cause you to skid and to lose control.

Rounding a Curve: 1 Slow down/ downshift as you enter the curve 2 Maintain slower speed 3 Gently increase your speed The proper driving speed at which you should enter a curve depends on the sharpness of the curve, the road’s surface, the current driving conditions, and the condition of your vehicle and tires. Warning signs mark many curves on the highway where you should reduce your speed. While most curves without warning signs may be safe to enter at the posted speed limit, some may not. As you approach an unfamiliar curve assess the situation. Make note of the sharpness of the curve and whether you can see all the way through.

As you approach a curve

reduce your speed so that you enter the curve at a speed that will allow you to avoid additional braking
at the midpoint of the curve, gradually accelerate to create a positive force, pulling you smoothly through the curve
stay on your side of the road and drive as far to the right as you can for curves to the right, and in the middle of your lane for curves to the left

Collisions can occur when you enter the curve too fast and are forced to brake in the curve. If the road is slippery, a slight force could be enough to cause a skid and push your car off the road. Never stop, park, or make a U-turn in a curve. Since curves (and hills) obstruct the view of the road, do not pass or back up within a curve.

Using your signal lights and horn Your vehicle must be equipped with signal lights that are working properly and a horn that is in good working order. Before starting, stopping, or turning, check to see that you can do so safely. Use your signal lights to show your driving intentions to other vehicles. When a pedestrian or another vehicle may be affected, you must sound your horn. The sound must be clearly audible to pedestrians and other drivers. Left Turn

You may use hand-and-arm signals, but do so cautiously. Hand-and-arm signals may not be seen as readily as vehicle signals.

If the construction of your vehicle or the load it is carrying limits the visibility of hand-and-arm signals, then you must use signal lights. Specifically, the Motor Vehicle Act says that you must use signal lights if any portion of the vehicle, or the load on the vehicle, extends more than 60 cm to the left of the centre of the vehicle’s steering wheel. Right Turn

Signalling does not give you the right of way. You must make sure the way is clear and safe.

Slowing Down/Stopping

Hand Signals and Signal Lights Turning Reduce speed before making turns, do a shoulder check, yield the right of way, and then accelerate slightly. For right turns, you must wait for pedestrians to cross if they are in your path. Stay close to the right-hand edge of the road so that another vehicle cannot move between your vehicle and the curb.
If you intend to turn left, you must first yield to approaching vehicles and then, when the way is clear, complete the turn. You must wait for pedestrians to cross if they are in your path.

Wheel position while turning left If you are stopped in position to make a left turn and are waiting for opposing traffic, do not turn the steering wheel to the left until you are sure you can complete the turn. If you are struck from the rear while stopped with the wheels turned to the left, your vehicle may be pushed into opposing traffic and cause another collision.

Do not turn from a direct course unless the turn is allowed and it can be made safely. One-way road to a two-way road. Turn from the left curb lane to the lane just right of the centre line. Then, when you can, move into the right curb lane. Motorcycles and bicycles are especially hard to see during a turn. Always give a proper signal. Do a safety scan. Make the turn only when it is safe to do so.

Here are some tips to make turns legally and safely:

Prepare for the turn before you get there. Decide in advance where you want to turn. If you are not sure, drive slowly until you can read the street signs or markers or decide the direction you wish to turn. Don't make last-minute turns. They are dangerous.
Signal your intention to change lanes and turn.
Move into the correct lane as traffic permits, especially in fast-moving or heavy traffic.
Look behind and on both sides to see where other traffic may be so that you can change lanes and make the turn safely.
To make the turn safely, slow down before you reach the crosswalk and maintain a safe speed as you complete the turn. Do not use the brake or clutch pedal while turning. Do not shift gears after entering the intersection.
Make the turn correctly. This will be easy if you are in the proper lane and are travelling slowly enough when you start the turn.
Finish your turn at intersections in the proper lane. If there are two turning lanes, stay in the lane that you are in from the beginning to the end of the turn. For instance, if you begin turning in the right turning lane, you will enter the next roadway in the right receiving lane (refer to illustrations).
Exceptions apply to large commercial vehicles that require sufficient room to make the turn safely. Be aware that large commercial vehicles sometimes require wide right turns. Two-way road to a two-way road. Turn from the lane closest to the centre line into the lane right of the centre line. Then, when you can, move into the right curb lane.

Two-way road to a one-way road. Turn from the lane closest to the centre line into the left curb lane. Following Following too closely is a leading cause of traffic collisions. Maintain plenty of space between your vehicle and the one ahead. If the vehicle ahead stops suddenly, you will need time to react. On the open road, keep enough distance between you and the vehicle ahead so that a passing vehicle can safely move into and occupy the space. Remember to use the two-second rule.
Changing lanes On a highway with multiple lanes of traffic, do a safety scan to check your blind spots. Check the lane you are changing to and the next lane beyond that, to be certain that another vehicle is not planning to move into the same space.

Here are the steps for making a lane change:

1 Check your mirrors for a safe spot in the traffic where you can enter.

2 Check your blind spot by looking over your shoulder in the direction of the lane change. Use your signal light to indicate which direction you will be moving.

3 Check again to be certain that no vehicle is approaching too fast from behind.

4 Steer gradually into the new lane. Do not slow down, but maintain the same speed or gently increase it.

Overtaking and passing You must signal your intention to pass and sound your horn before overtaking and passing another vehicle. The horn signal places the driver of the vehicle you are passing under a legal obligation to help you to pass. The driver of the vehicle being overtaken must give way to the passing vehicle. The vehicle being passed must not increase speed until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.

On roadways with two-way traffic, you must take precautions in order to pass safely. Take the time to determine if there is sufficient distance ahead to pass without disrupting the safe operation of approaching vehicles. The left side of the highway must be clearly visible and free of oncoming traffic. You must pass to the left of the vehicle you are overtaking and return to the right when the lane is clear and it is safe to do so. Whenever there are only two lanes, never follow another vehicle that has already begun to pass a slower-moving vehicle. Wait for the first vehicle to pass safely and then proceed. Passing, Signal Intention, Sound Horn

When passing at night, use low- beam headlights until you have completed your pass. Passing at Night Many serious collisions are caused by improper passing. Take every precaution and make sure you are in a passing zone and that it is safe to pass. Here are some tips to consider: • Is passing necessary? Often very little is to be gained by passing another vehicle. Experienced drivers will tell you that over a 100-km stretch of highway, aggressive driving will decrease driving time by less than two minutes while substantially increasing the risk of a collision. • Stay back. Moving up closely behind another vehicle reduces your stopping distance and can obscure your vision, making it unsafe to pass. • Drive defensively, checking for other vehicles that may be passing. • Do a safety scan, looking ahead and behind to determine when it is safe to pass. • If it is safe to pass, signal your intention to pass to alert the drivers ahead and behind you to enable them to plan their moves accordingly. • Check your blind spot by looking over your left shoulder (chin to shoulder). • Move left gradually. • Accelerate, but do not exceed the posted speed limit. • As required by law, sound your horn when you reach the rear of the vehicle you are overtaking. • Turn your right signal on after you have passed. Look over your right shoulder (chin to shoulder). • Move right when the headlights of the vehicle you have passed are visible in your rearview mirror. • Resume normal speed. Turn off your signal light.

You have not passed safely if the vehicle you have passed must slow down to allow you back into your correct lane. Places where passing is always unsafe and usually illegal:

at intersections in cities and towns or at railway crossings
at marked intersections in rural areas
on any curve or hill where you cannot see at least 150 metres ahead
wherever there is a solid yellow line in the driver’s lane combined with a broken line in the approaching lane
wherever there is a double solid yellow line
at intersections or crosswalks where a car has stopped to yield to pedestrians
wherever you cannot see far enough ahead to pass safely

Passing on the right On a multi-lane highway, operating a vehicle at the speed limit doesn’t entitle you to remain in the left lane indefinitely. You should generally travel in the right lane. On highways with two or more substantially continuous lanes, you may pass another vehicle from the right or left. In this instance you may pass another vehicle on the right if that vehicle is making a left turn. Passing on the right places your vehicle on the blind side of the car you are passing. The car you are passing could unexpectedly make a right turn or pull over to the right side of the road.

When your vehicle is being passed When you are being passed, you must help the other driver to pass. If the driver of the passing car blows the horn, move to the right edge of the pavement. Never increase your speed.

Backing Never back up unless you can do so safely. Watch for children or objects which may be hidden from view once you’re sitting behind the wheel.

Shift the car into reverse with your foot on the brake. Hold the steering wheel firmly with one hand in the 12 o’clock position. This way you can do a safety scan over both shoulders. Whether you are backing straight or to the right or left, turn your body and head to the right and look back over your right shoulder. Your left hand will be in the 12 o’clock position on the steering wheel. Begin backing slowly. Within the first few feet, check to see that the front end of your vehicle does not hit anything. Make steering adjustments as necessary. Continue to scan in all directions.

Safety Scan

Backing Up You may remove your seat belt to turn your body to see properly when backing. Don’t forget to fasten your seat belt again before moving forward.

Parking and stopping There are many rules relating to parking. Obey signs that restrict stopping, standing, or parking, but be aware that not all parking by-laws are posted on signs.

If it is necessary to stop, make sure that your vehicle is clear of the travelled portion of the highway. You may not park a vehicle on a street or highway for a period longer than 24 hours. Whenever your vehicle is left standing unattended, apply the parking brake and turn off the engine. Curbside wheels must be within 15 centimetres of the curb or edge of the road.

Your vehicle is considered stopped or parked if it is occupied or unoccupied and not moving. You may not stop or park a vehicle in any of the following places:

on the crest of a hill or on a curve where the view of an approaching driver is obstructed
where you will block a vehicle already parked, or where you will block a sidewalk, pedestrian crossing, road entrance, or private driveway
within 5 metres of a crosswalk
within 5 metres of a fire hydrant or driveway entrance to a fire station
within 7.5 metres of an intersection
within 10 metres of the approach to any official flashing beacon, stop sign, yield sign, or traffic control signal located at the side of the roadway
within 15 metres of the nearest rail of a railway crossing
alongside or opposite any street or highway excavation or obstruction when the stopping, standing, or parking would obstruct traffic
on the roadway side of any vehicle stopped. This is called double parking
in a space designated for “Persons with Mobility Disability” unless you have a permit or special plate Parallel parking If you are parking, turn on your appropriate signal and slow down. You may have to come to a complete stop early to force the vehicles behind you to stop back far enough so that you can park safely. 1 Then slowly proceed parallel to and approximately one metre from the side of the parked vehicle until the rear bumpers are even. 2 Do a safety scan. When it is safe, back slowly, turning the steering wheel sharply to the right until your vehicle is at a 40° angle, or until the centre of the rear window is in line with the point between the curb and the car behind. 3 Straighten your wheels and back slowly until your front bumper is clear of the parked vehicle. 4 Turn the steering wheel sharply in the opposite direction and slowly edge the car parallel to the curb. 5 Straighten your wheels and move forward or backward until your vehicle is centred in the parking space. Curbside wheels must be within 15 centimetres of the curb or edge of the road.

When you are properly parked, set the parking brake and move the gear selector into park and turn off your engine. For a manual transmission, shift into reverse if parked facing downhill or first if parked facing uphill. Remember to remove the key from the ignition. Check for traffic before opening your door. Lock your vehicle.

Parallel Parking If you are driving and notice that a car ahead of you is pulling out from a parallel parking space, slow down and be prepared to stop.

Angle parking Angle parking is commonly used in parking lots, at shopping centres, and on very wide streets. Steps to complete angle parking: 1 Signal your intention to park and slow down. 2 Remain parallel to the curb at least 1.5 metres out from the other parked cars. 3 When your front end is even with the rear of the parking space, move slowly while turning the steering wheel to the right. 4 Straighten your wheels, trying to position the vehicle in the centre of the parking space. 5 Continue forward until the front of your car lines up with other parked cars or until the front wheels barely touch the curb.

When leaving an angled parking space, do a safety scan and remember to do a number of shoulder checks while backing. Watch your front end to avoid hitting anything. Back out straight all the way until the front end of your vehicle is clear of adjacent parked vehicles.

Parking on a hill When parking on a hill or grade, turn the front wheels so that if your vehicle rolls away, it will roll into the curb and stop. Apply parking brake and then place shift lever in park position. When parking without a curb, turn your wheels so that the vehicle will roll off the highway rather than into traffic.

For facing downhill with or without a curb, turn your wheels to the right. For facing uphill with a curb, turn your wheels to the left and for uphill without a curb, turn your wheels to the right. The curbside wheels must be within 15 cm of the curb or edge of the roadway.
Travelling through roundabouts and rotaries Parking on a Hill Roundabouts and rotaries are specially designed intersections with traffic circulating around a central island. Vehicles entering the roundabout or rotary must yield to traffic in the circle. Drivers in the circle have right of way over entering traffic. Motorists must always yield to pedestrians who are legally crossing the road and be courteous towards cyclists who are sharing the road.

Slow down as you approach the intersection; roundabouts are designed for speeds of 30–50 km/h. Follow directions on signs or pavement markings about which lane to use. Enter the roundabout or rotary when there is a gap in traffic. Watch for vehicles already on the roundabout or rotary; be aware that they may not be signaling correctly or at all. All vehicles in the roundabout or rotary must travel to the right around the central island. Drive around the circle in a counterclockwise direction until you come to the road or street where you want to exit. To leave the roundabout or rotary, activate your turn signal and exit to the right.

If there is more than one lane in the circle, safely move into the correct lane before you come to the place where you intend to exit the circle. Look, signal, and use caution as you change lanes and leave the circle. Never exit a roundabout or rotary from an inside lane.

These rules apply unless the roundabout or rotary is controlled by other signs or traffic signals.

Entering and leaving driveways When entering or leaving driveways, you must yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing in front of you and to all vehicles approaching on the street.

Before emerging from an alley, driveway, or building in a business or residential district, you must stop your vehicle immediately before driving on the sidewalk or on the sidewalk area extending across any alleyway.

Entering and Leaving Driveways Using controlled-access highways The provincial 100-series highways are designed for more convenient and safer driving. These highways are being upgraded as divided multi-lane roadways with restricted or limited access. Controlled access is permitted at specially designed intersections called interchanges.
These areas require the driver’s full attention because one group of drivers is slowing down to exit the controlled-access highway while, at the same time, another group is speeding up to enter the same highway. Use extreme caution in these zones to ensure a safe and proper manoeuvre for all involved vehicles. Signs will be posted to inform you whether to merge, yield, or stop. In all these situations, you will be required to yield to through traffic until a safe gap can be identified before you enter the highway.

Entrance and Exit Ramp to Highway As you approach an interchange, give careful attention to the directions on the roadway signs leading up to the interchange.

Tips When driving on controlled-access highways, follow these rules:

Plan your trip in advance.
Be sure to check the vehicle’s water, oil, tires, and gas before leaving on your trip.
Decide in advance where you must enter and exit the highway.

• When entering the highway,use the acceleration lane until your vehicle’s speed matches that of the other traffic, and then merge safely. • Keep to the right, and use the left lanes for passing only. • Maintain a minimum two-second following distance, and do not tailgate. One of the most frequent types of crashes on major highways is the rear-end crash. • Remember that faster speeds require greater stopping distances and times. • Stop at indicated rest areas frequently, preferably at least once every 150–200 km. • Never stop in the traffic lane. • If a vehicle breakdown forces you to stop, move far off the road. Tie a white cloth on the radio aerial or left door handle. If the breakdown occurs at night, engage the vehicle’s emergency flashers or parking lights. (If you are a driver who spots a vehicle in distress, contact the police.) • When leaving the highway, signal your turn well in advance, and, without slowing down, enter the deceleration lane. Slow down and proceed at the posted ramp speed limit. Most exit ramps are to the right. Changes in direction are then made where the exit ramp intersects another roadway. • Be aware of cars in the lanes next to you.

Drivers and large commercial vehicles There is nothing more imposing on the highway than a commercial vehicle transporting tonnes of cargo. Show respect and use extra caution when driving near such vehicles. Allow extra room when passing. Maintain an appropriate speed when climbing a hill and even more so when descending. A fully loaded commercial vehicle descending a hill is like a heavy pendulum. It requires a professional driver using his or her knowledge and skill to keep the vehicle under control. It is very important to keep your speed up. Remember, this vehicle uses the downhill force to gain momentum to climb the next hill (within the speed limit). Keep your distance and maintain an appropriate speed. It is illegal for the driver of a commercial motor vehicle to follow within 60 metres of another vehicle. This rule applies when travelling on a highway outside a business or residential district, but does not apply when overtaking and passing another vehicle. Whether you are in the passenger vehicle or in the commercial vehicle, all drivers share the responsibility to drive defensively.

Drivers and school buses During the hours that school buses are operating (generally 7–9 am and 2–4 pm), drivers should be especially careful. Children waiting for the bus or getting off the bus might dart into the street unexpectedly. Observe the flashing lights on the school bus:

Amber flashing lights alert you that the bus is about to stop. Passing is allowed, but use extra caution and be alert for the red flashing lights.
Red flashing lights are used when the school bus is stopped to pick up or discharge students. The bus must also display a mechanical STOP sign with alternately flashing red lights. All drivers must halt from behind or in front of a school bus when red lights are flashing. You must stop. Do not pass a school bus with alternating flashing red lights at any time or place or from either direction, including a divided boulevard.

School Bus with flashing red lights – correct stopping distance

It is illegal for you to exceed 50 km/h in a school zone when children are present, whatever the time or day. Children may be playing on the school playground after school hours or on the weekend. At school crossings, both drivers and pedestrians must obey the instructions of the crossing guard.

Watch for children around school buses and school bus stops. Drive accordingly.

Drivers and motorcycles The driver of a motorcycle is entitled to a full highway lane. This is both a right and a safety precaution. Allow extra space between your vehicle and the motorcycle so that you both can react to quick stops and other potential hazards with more manoeuvring room. Most fatal motorcycle crashes involve collisions with automobiles. Usually, the vehicle driver did not see the motorcyclist. More than half of these collisions occur under good driving conditions. Safety considerations:

Be aware of all motorists around you and their right to space.
Be aware of your own limitations and drive within them.
Motorcyclists should make themselves more visible by wearing appropriate clothing with reflective material for night driving, but they may not. So be careful. Always drive defensively.

Drivers and bicycles Riders of bicycles must obey the same traffic rules and regulations that apply to all road users. Unfortunately, not all bicycle riders know or understand this, especially young children. So you have an extra responsibility to use caution around bicyclists, especially children. You must also respect the bicyclist’s right to share the road.

Sharing the Road with Bicycles

The Motorist: According to the Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Act, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Respect for the rights of all road users goes a long way towards avoiding collisions.

The Cyclist: According to the Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Act cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. When cyclists and motorists follow the same set of rules, the chance of a collision is greatly reduced.

Preventing crashes Watch For Bicyclists: Most collisions involving bicyclists and motorists occur at intersections. This often happens when a motorist pulls out from a stop sign or driveway without yielding, or turns across a bicyclist’s path.

Common car-bike collisions “Right Hook”: Many motorists misjudge the speed of bicycles; they can travel faster than you think! (Experienced cyclists can travel at 25-35 km/h on a flat surface and up to 50km/h going downhill.) This misjudgment causes the motorist to pass and turn directly in front of the bicyclist. Scan the side of the road for bicyclists, and if it is not safe to pass before turning, slow down and move behind the cyclist before making the turn. DO NOT pass and cut!

“Left Cross”: Motorists making turns which cross oncoming traffic must watch for cyclists as well as motor vehicles. Too often, motorists misjudge the speed of an oncoming bicyclist and turn in front of them. Motorists should always stop and wait for oncoming traffic, including bicycles, to pass before turning.

Getting Doored: When exiting your car, look behind you for approaching bicyclists. Don’t open your door unless it’s safe to do so.

Please keep in mind that bicycles are much more vulnerable in a collision. Motorists must realize that they are operating a large vehicle and with that comes the responsibility to ensure that it is safely operated.

Cycling strategies: Be visible, be predictable Where To Ride on the Road: Ride on the right side of the road with the flow of traffic. Use as much of the lane as required to be safe from roadside hazards.

Signals: Use these hand signals to indicate a turn or a stop. An alternative right hand signal is widely recognized.

Left turn signal Right turn signal Alternative right turn signal Slowing/stopping signal

Ride a Straight Course: Don’t weave between parked cars. Otherwise, a motorist may lose sight of you and there could be a collision if you suddenly pop out in traffic again. Stay at least one metre from parked cars to avoid opening doors.

Look Behind You: Learn to quickly scan the traffic behind you without swerving. A rear view mirror helps to view traffic; however a lane change requires a look behind, which also signals your intention to motorists.

Be Careful at Intersections: Intersections can be dangerous for cyclists. At a four-way stop, it is important for cyclists to remain in line with the flow of traffic and to wait their turn. Right-turn lanes are for traffic that is making a turn; don’t go into a turn lane if you are going to travel straight ahead.

Vehicular Left Turn: Signal and look behind you. When there’s an opening, move into the left lane and turn from near the centre line.

Pedestrian Left Turn: The safest way to turn left on a busy street includes a little walking too. Get off your bicycle and walk it across the intersection using the crosswalk. Wait for the light to change and walk your bicycle across to the next corner, using the crosswalk.

Vehicular Left Turn Pedestrian Left Turn

Safety equipment Lights: When riding at night, you must use a white front light and red rear reflector (a rear-facing flashing red light, like an LED, is okay too). Reflectors and reflective tape on your helmet, clothes or bicycle also make you more visible.

Horn: Attach a horn or bell to your handle bars and use it to warn pedestrians and other vehicles that you are near them.

Helmet Safety: By law, you must use a bicycle helmet when operating a bicycle. A properly fitted helmet greatly reduces the risk of brain injuries, the leading type of fatal or disabling injury to bicyclists.

How to Properly Wear a Helmet: Read the manufacturer’s instructions and consult with sales staff when you buy a helmet; staff will make sure that you get a helmet that fits you correctly. Generally speaking, wear the helmet low on your forehead—about a two-finger width above your eyebrows.

With the helmet on your head, try to move it gently from side to side and back and forth. It should be snug enough to move the skin. If not, use the thicker foam padding provided with the helmet. Tighten the chinstraps with enough room to slide one finger between the strap and the chin.