The content of the article:
- The main purpose of markup
- Crossing the waffle correctly
- Is it possible to stop at the diagonal markings
- Driving the site according to the rules
- Penalties for violation of road marking
- Advantages of diagonal sections of the carriageway
Since the middle of spring this year, an interesting road sign 1.35 has appeared in our country, which was not there before. It is called the "Crossroads section" and is installed directly in front of the unusual diagonal markings of bright yellow color, which is popularly called "waffle".
Only a few people know the intricacies of the passage of this section of the roadway, so let's figure out what the "wafer markings" are.
The main purpose of markup
It is no secret that when passing an intersection, some road users can enter it when the green traffic light starts flashing. Moreover, many do not have time to complete the maneuver, while remaining on the roadway. This creates an obstacle to the movement of vehicles moving in the perpendicular direction.
The diagonal markings are intended to serve as a warning that there is a dangerous intersection ahead and you should not enter it if it is congested.
“Waffle” is applied in bright yellow tones and means that you must not enter the nearest intersection if you need a stop that could cause a traffic jam. The driver is advised to stop in front of a red traffic light, and not drive into the center of the intersection marked with a "waffle iron".
In the rules, the markings are mentioned in paragraph 1.26 and their application is recommended at intersections where traffic is busy, which often entails the formation of traffic jams.
Local authorities are allowed to apply diagonal markings as they see fit, as they are better informed about the traffic situation in the city and will strive to reduce potential traffic jams.
"Waffle" can be applied separately or together with the sign "Section of the intersection", which was mentioned earlier. In this case, the road element is installed either directly in front of the dangerous section, or 30 meters before it (no more).
Crossing the waffle correctly
The passage of the diagonals is prohibited if a mandatory stop of the vehicle follows. It is allowed only if you are going to make a right or left turn in accordance with traffic rules.
Before entering the waffle iron, the driver is advised to evaluate his route. If there are cars moving in the opposite direction, he will have to stop his "iron horse", which will lead to a congestion for other road users. It doesn't matter if you start moving or are going to leave the intersection without interfering with other traffic, if all this happened with a red traffic light - this is considered a violation.
Is it possible to stop at the diagonal markings
At best, in the absence of oncoming cars, you can safely drive along the bright yellow markings without stopping your car. Stopping is also permitted if you intend to turn:
- right or left to allow moving pedestrians or cyclists;
- to the left in order to pass oncoming cars.
However, a left turn is undesirable if there are many vehicles ahead that need to be passed. You will have to turn off the car and stop, and this is already a violation. The stop is provided only to let pedestrian road users pass. It is also not recommended to perform a U-turn as it will require a forced stop again.
Driving the site according to the rules
Since the movement through the "waffle iron" does not provide for stopping at it, when approaching a busy road section, assess the situation on the road. Wait until the intersection is clear of moving cars, and only then make the planned turn.
Do not even think to make a U-turn at the intersection with the "waffle", since usually such markings are applied on busy road sections, and to make a maneuver you will have to miss oncoming traffic, which will lead to a congestion if you do not have time to complete your plan. Violation and fine.
Penalties for violation of road marking
the imposition of a fine is carried out automatically as soon as one of the following violations is committed:
- driving through a red light;
- crossing the boundaries of the stop line;
- making a turn from an inappropriate row.
As already mentioned, surveillance cameras allow you to automatically record violations and punish them with fines. If you made a stop on the "waffle" (except for the passage of pedestrians and cyclists) - get a fine of $ 15. If you crossed the stop line, you will receive a $ 7.5 fine.
It will not be considered an offense to ride a diagonal on a bicycle. Will this help to replace a car with a bicycle? There is such a possibility.
Advantages of diagonal sections of the carriageway
Line markings should ideally significantly reduce traffic jams and congestion at the busiest intersections. A positive trend was noted on those sections of the roadway where the "waffle iron" was applied. The number of violations and accidents has decreased, and the streets have become freer.
It's no secret that crossing the "waffle" lane and even approaching it has a psychological effect on drivers. They try to take a responsible attitude to the implementation of traffic rules and not overload intersections.
The bright yellow color grabs the attention of road users, triggering thought processes that relate to the possibility of a potential crossing of the intersection. It is possible that the brain will give a decision not to fly forward, but to stop in front of a traffic light and wait it out. It is impossible not to notice the "waffle", since it is applied with a specialized composition that does not wear off over time and always looks bright.
The developed countries of Europe, Southwest Asia and America have been using diagonal markings for several years. "Waffle" has already managed to get a vocation in these countries and for a more attentive attitude to pedestrians. They can now move in any direction across the carriageway if red traffic lights are on for cars. Let's hope that this innovation will spread in our country.
