Sharing the Road, Special Situations, and Vehicle Safety
Sharing the road means granting space and legal priority to users who are more vulnerable than you. Pedestrians in a crosswalk have the right-of-way, and you must yield - including at marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections. School buses displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm require traffic in both directions to stop, unless separated by a physical median or barrier. Emergency vehicles with lights and siren require you to pull to the right and stop until they pass.
Large trucks have big blind spots (the "No-Zone"), need long distances to stop, and make wide right turns - never squeeze alongside a truck that is turning right. Motorcycles and bicycles are entitled to a full lane; give them room and pass with generous clearance. Connecticut requires riders under a certain age to wear helmets, and cyclists must follow the same traffic laws as vehicles.
Railroad crossings demand a stop when lights flash, gates lower, or a train is visible - never try to beat a train. Work zones require reduced speed and heightened attention. Highway emergencies: if your vehicle breaks down, pull as far off the roadway as possible, turn on hazard lights, and stay in the car with seat belts fastened while waiting for help unless staying is unsafe.
Vehicle safety questions cover tires (adequate tread and correct pressure), brakes, lights, and windshield wipers. Headlights are required at night and in poor visibility, and you should dim high beams for oncoming traffic.
Trap to watch: bus-stop questions that add "on a divided highway" - if a median separates you, you generally need not stop.
Worked example: A school bus ahead flashes red lights on a two-lane road with no median. Traffic in both directions must stop until the lights stop flashing and the stop arm retracts.