Lesson Four: Managing Space with Timing (5.4)

Timing is adjusting speed and/or lane position to arrive at a space when it is open. When managing space, timing is critical. Open space can be created by making speeds adjustments and/or lane position changes early.

A fixed side space is any space to any side of your vehicle that is closed. Examples of a fixed side space are parked vehicles, bridge, curb, median, etc.

A moving side space is a space to any side of your vehicle that is closed by a moving HTS user. Examples of a moving side space are an oncoming vehicle, cyclist, pedestrian, vehicle passing you, etc.

  Application of Timing for Open Space 

When approaching a traffic signal or stopped traffic, apply timing to attempt to arrive in an open space. Timing is a tool that helps you manage space before reaching the point of no return. Even the best timing cannot guarantee that you will not have to stop. Being able to identify when to stop or when you have reached the point of no return is just as important as timing.

When you have oncoming traffic and a fixed or moving side space, apply timing to attempt to arrive with an open side space. This prevents a closure on both sides prohibiting you from making lane position adjustments if necessary.

Timing during a turn maintains an open side space during and after your turn on a multiple lane roadway.

Stale Green, Solid Yellow, and Point of No Return

You won’t be able to time every light to arrive on a new green.  A stale green light is an old, unstable light that’s been green for a long time and will soon change to yellow.  Be ready to stop as you approach.  If it changes to yellow before you reach the point of no return, stop.  If it’s still green, maintain your speed, search, and proceed.  The point of no return is where you can no longer stop without entering that space – two seconds away.

Red Lights, Green Lights and Flashing Yellow Arrows

Every turn at a traffic light is a risky four second danger zone.  The most dangerous is a left turn where you must stop to yield.  When your light is a solid green ball or a flashing yellow arrow, the oncoming traffic has a green light too.  Stopping increases the chance of a rear end collision.  To minimize conflicts, try to arrive alone so you can complete your left turn without stopping.  When you must stop, you have to know where to wait and what to watch for.