What is the Highest Safe Approach Speed for Uncontrolled Intersections?

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Determining the highest safe approach speed for uncontrolled intersections involves assessing visibility and stopping distances for vehicles. The speed limit on the road can serve as a baseline for safe speeds. In uncontrolled intersections, both vehicles must be able to see each other and stop to avoid collisions, which requires a margin of safety. For uncontrolled railroad crossings, California mandates a maximum speed of 15 mph if visibility is limited. Understanding these factors is crucial for safe navigation through such intersections.
Lanzzdub
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I was wondering how'd you find out the highest safe approach speed when going through an intersection.

P.S. Could you please explain in detail.
Thanks !
 
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huh ?? :) safest approach and going through are a contradiction

maybe the speed limit that is set on that particular road would be a good place to start

what are you trying to get at/understand ?
maybe some more info from you about a particular situation etc ??

cheers
Dave
 
If it's an uncontrolled intersection with no stop signs (rare these days), then the safe speed is set based on two cars approaching intersection from different directions, being able to see each other and for both to be able to stop before a collision, plus some margin of safety.

In the case of an uncontrolled rail road crossing, if you can't see 400 feet in both directions while within 100 feet of the tracks, the speed limit in California is 15mph. I'm not sure of the maximum speed allowed for trains through such intersections, but it's probably between 50 and 70 mph. At 70 mph, the train travels 102 feet per second, so 400 feet would translate into about 4 seconds of reaction time.
 

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