Keeping Pace With Traffic

Almost every discussion and article about driving talks about the need to drive at a speed which enables you to deal with any hazard which may arise. This shouldn’t be confused with driving slowly. While taking into account the potential hazards, it is important to drive as fast as is safe. This is often referred to as ‘appropriate speed’

Think about the times you’ve been in a car being driven by someone else and they think the person in front has been driving too slowly; what has been their reaction? If I was a betting man, I would say that they have felt frustrated and keen to either get past or for the other driver to get out of the way. While this is an understandable and very common reaction, it can also have unsafe consequences. A frustrated driver will make bad decisions! They look to overtake when it might not be safe or try to make up for lost time when the other car is out of the way by driving faster. While all drivers are responsible for the decisions they make, we all have a responsibility to drive in a sensible fashion with consideration of all road users. If you are on an open road with few if any potential hazards, don’t be afraid to drive at the limit always keeping in mind what is an appropriate speed for the conditions around you and making any necessary adjustments to your speed.

Common Faults

It takes time to develop the confidence to drive quickly. Never drive at a speed which is too far out of your comfort zone as you won’t feel in control, but as time passes, try to drive at an increased speed. The only way to get used to it is to do it. It’s worth remembering that when you started driving, 20 mph probably felt more like 60.

Pedestrian Crossings

There are five types of pedestrian crossing that you will encounter most frequently. When approaching any type of crossing, check your mirrors when the crossing first comes into view. When you know what the situation behind you is, start paying attention to the crossing. Don’t just look for anyone already using it or standing beside the road, but also for anyone walking towards it from either side, in other words, look left, right, in front and behind the crossing. Your approach speed will be dictated by how far away from the crossing you are, how much you can see and the amount of activity in the area around it. Before moving off, it is a good idea to look at both side mirrors for bikes taking advantage of the stationary traffic. 

Most crossings have white zig-zag lines on either side. If so, you mustn’t stop, unless it is for the crossing, or overtake the lead, moving motor vehicle. Before overtaking a cyclist in the area of the lines, be absolutely sure that no-one is about to use the crossing.

Zebra Crossing

The sight of the flashing amber beacons will tell you that you are approaching a zebra crossing. If there is someone waiting to cross, although there is no legal obligation to stop, it is ‘the done thing’ and what everyone else will be expecting you to do, so play it safe and give way to the pedestrians. Once they are on the crossing, you must wait until they are on the pavement before you can move, yes, even if they are on the other side of the road and walking away from you ;-) While you are waiting for them to reach the other side, look around for anyone else who mighty use the crossing. Human nature dictates that if someone who wants to cross the road sees the traffic at a standstill, they will make a dash for it! 

If the zebra crossing has an island in the middle of the road, you can treat the crossing as two separate crossings. Once the person on your side has reached the island, you may move off after checking it is safe. 

Pelican Crossings

At first glance, these will look like a set of traffic lights. Many get caught out because they don’t expect the light to change to red so soon after the button has been pressed. It can change instantly so, like all good Scouts, be prepared. From green, the light will change to solid amber, which, contrary to popular belief, doesn’t mean keep going. You should stop unless you think that the stop will resemble an emergency style stop, in which case, keep going. We don’t want any accidents! When the light is red, you are legally obliged to stop. After red, the light will change to flashing amber, which means you may go if no-one is on the crossing. If there is anyone in the road, you should wait for the green light. When the light changes to green, you can move off as long as it is safe to. As with zebra crossings, look around for other potential users of the crossing while waiting for the lights to change. 

Toucan Crossings

The rules for these are very similar to pelican crossings. There are a couple of differences. Firstly, there is no flashing amber phase. The red light will change to red and amber together so you must wait for the green light before moving, as long as it is safe to move. Secondly, cyclists are allowed to ride across these crossings instead of getting off and walking, which is what they are supposed to do at pelican crossings.

Puffin Crossings 

Puffin crossings are designed to make crossing the road safer for pedestrians. Instead of staying on red and flashing amber for a fixed amount of time, cameras or sensors attached to the crossing will know if there are people in the area and hold the light on red until everyone is clear. As with the toucan crossing, there is no flashing amber phase so wait for the green light before moving.  Be particularly aware of anyone moving towards the crossing when the light is on red. While the flashing amber on a pelican discourages last minute crossing, the long red at puffins encourages people to cross even when they are not entitled to.  

Some light controlled crossings have an island in the middle. If the crossing area goes across the whole road in a straight line, it is one crossing. If the crossing areas are staggered, it is two separate crossings.

School Crossings

There will often be a sign telling you that you are near a school. When you see this, expect to see someone dressed in bright clothes with a long pole ion their hand. The lollipop man will often hold up a hand as they walk towards the road. This means they want you to stop. If there are other children approaching the crossing while the lollipop man is already in the road letting others cross, he will often stay there to let them cross too so make sure he is out of the road before moving. These patrols will often help parents cross the road so don’t just look for children. 

As long as you stop on red or when there is someone in the road and go on green or when no-one is in the road, you won’t go far wrong. Observation is the key; expect anyone to appear from anywhere. 

Common Faults

Assumption plays a big part in most faults at crossings. Here are some examples:

1) The light won’t change yet
2) No-one will use the crossing
3) It’s clear now

All of these and more will be solved through expecting the worst; the light will change, someone will use the crossing and it may be clear where you are looking, but have you looked everywhere? By assuming the worst, the approach speed and observations will improve.

Roundabouts

Many drivers are intimidated by roundabouts because they are usually at junctions that are busy. However, they are designed to maximise traffic flow so don’t worry about the level of traffic, it’s just another junction where you wait until it is safe before moving. You will by this stage already be familiar with t-junctions and the method of dealing with roundabouts is very similar.

Because of the way they are laid out, roundabouts usually give you a good view as you approach them, so early observations can help a lot. It will give you the opportunity to see the traffic on the roundabout which will give you more time to judge what everyone is doing.

Turning Left

Mirror – look at the inside and left mirrors
Signal – always signal, even if you can’t see anyone
Position – maintain the normal driving position
Speed – the approach speed will depend on the view you have as you approach the junction so you will help yourself a lot if you start looking as you start braking. If the view is good, you may be able to stay in 2nd gear if there is no-one to give way to. If the view is bad or the road is busy, you will need 1st gear. The less you can see the slower you will have to go as the stopping distance will be shorter. Because things can change quickly on roundabouts, it can be difficult to judge whether you will have to stop or be able to go while you are still approaching it. If you go into 2nd gear as you approach, you will be in a position to go if the traffic flow works in your favour.
Look – as mentioned above, you help yourself a lot if you start looking as you start braking. You will give yourself a chance to. You will be able to make an informed, unhurried decision. If you wait until the last minute to look, you will see everything all at once and will be forced to make a rushed decision and only have a short amount of time to act on it. If you decide to use 1st, make sure your speed is just under 10mph when you change and bring the clutch to bite after changing. If you will only have to wait for a few seconds, it’s ok to hold the clutch at the bite. If you think you will have to wait for more than a few seconds, put the handbrake on and set gas and biting point so you are ready to go. Chances can pass quickly so being ready to move can save you waiting longer than necessary. 

Following the Road Ahead

Occasionally, you will see other drivers signal right at the roundabout if they are going ahead. If you do, feel free to have a good laugh at their expense as this isn’t how it is done! 

Mirror – look at the inside and left mirrors
Signal – no signal is given on the approach as to do so would be misleading for other drivers. You are not turning left or right so don’t give the impression that you are. 
Position – usually, the best place to be is the normal driving position, or the left lane if there are two lanes. Look out for signs and markings as sometimes you will need to use the right hand lane.
Speed – the approach speed will depend on the view you have as you approach the junction so you will help yourself a lot if you start looking as you start braking. If the view is good, you may be able to stay in 2nd gear if there is no-one to give way to. If the view is bad or the road is busy, you will need 1st gear. The less you can see the slower you will have to go as the stopping distance will be shorter. Because things can change quickly on roundabouts, it can be difficult to judge whether you will have to stop or be able to go while you are still approaching it. If you go into 2nd gear as you approach, you will be in a position to go if the traffic flow works in your favour.
Look – as mentioned above, you help yourself a lot if you start looking as you start braking. You will give yourself a chance to. You will be able to make an informed, unhurried decision. If you wait until the last minute to look, you will see everything all at once and will be forced to make a rushed decision and only have a short amount of time to act on it. If you decide to use 1st, make sure your speed is just under 10mph when you change and bring the clutch to bite after changing. If you will only have to wait for a few seconds, it’s ok to hold the clutch at the bite. If you think you will have to wait for more than a few seconds, put the handbrake on and set gas and biting point so you are ready to go. Chances can pass quickly so being ready to move can save you waiting longer than necessary.

When you move on to the roundabout, keep to the left (assuming this has been your position on the approach) all the way through the roundabout to avoid an encounter with those turning right. As you reach the exit before yours, check all your mirrors and signal left to show that you are leaving the roundabout. 

Turning Right

Mirror – look at the inside and right mirrors
Signal – signal right, even if you can’t see anyone
Position – move to just left of centre, or to the right hand lane if there are two lanes.
Speed – the approach speed will depend on the view you have as you approach the junction so you will help yourself a lot if you start looking as you start braking. If the view is good, you may be able to stay in 2nd gear if there is no-one to give way to. If the view is bad or the road is busy, you will need 1st gear. The less you can see the slower you will have to go as the stopping distance will be shorter. Because things can change quickly on roundabouts, it can be difficult to judge whether you will have to stop or be able to go while you are still approaching it. If you go into 2nd gear as you approach, you will be in a position to go if the traffic flow works in your favour.
Look – as mentioned above, you help yourself a lot if you start looking as you start braking. You will give yourself a chance to. You will be able to make an informed, unhurried decision. If you wait until the last minute to look, you will see everything all at once and will be forced to make a rushed decision and only have a short amount of time to act on it. If you decide to use 1st, make sure your speed is just under 10mph when you change and bring the clutch to bite after changing. If you will only have to wait for a few seconds, it’s ok to hold the clutch at the bite. If you think you will have to wait for more than a few seconds, put the handbrake on and set gas and biting point so you are ready to go. Chances can pass quickly so being ready to move can save you waiting longer than necessary. 

When you move on to the roundabout, keep to the right continuing to signal right. When you reach the exit before yours, check the mirrors and signal left to tell others you are leaving the roundabout. Try to avoid drifting to the left as you move further round the roundabout. 

Mini-Roundabouts

Treat these as you would ‘normal’ roundabouts. The only difference is that it is acceptable not to signal left for the exit. The roads are often so close together that there isn’t time without risking the steering going wonky, which would have safety implications. It is ok to signal to exit, but don’t if you feel there isn’t safe to.

Sometimes, it will seem that the mini-roundabout is in a daft place! They are often used as traffic calming measures. It is very tempting to ‘straight line’ the mini-roundabout and drive over the island. However, it only takes the driver coming towards you to have the same idea and you will have a big dent in the front of your car!

Multi-Lane Roundabouts

Use the routine for approaching other roundabouts for the multi-lane roundabouts. It is worth mentioning that each of this type of roundabout is designed to suit the circumstances of that particular area and so each one is different. The signs and markings are very important so make sure you are looking for them. If there are no signs telling you specifically which lane to use, the direction signs may give you a clue. For example, if the sign tells you that the road you need is the fourth exit of a five exit roundabout, there is a good chance you will need the right hand lane. Once you enter the roundabout, the lane markings will usually guide you round so if you don’t cross any white lines, you will be fed across to the left lane in time for your exit. The further round the roundabout you are, the more to the left you need to be. 

Common Faults

 

As with t-junctions, it is very tempting to just look to the right as that is where you are giving way to. However, this can also result in an unwanted excursion into the right hand lane as you are not looking where you are going and not able to follow the path of the road.

As a passenger or on your lessons, you may have noticed other drivers ‘straight line’ the roundabout when going ahead. In effect, this results in two lane changes (from the left to the right and then back again) with the potential to seriously interfere with other traffic. Make sure your steering is disciplined and you stay to the left. 

When turning right, drivers often start drifting to the left as they pass the exit before theirs. Hold your position in the road and then make a direct line towards your exit.

Crossroads

Crossroads are more hazardous than T-junctions because you may have four cars all crossing the same small area of the road. Observations and patience are particularly important. 

Turning left from the major road into the minor road

The routine for this is exactly the same as previously practiced:

Mirror – look at the inside and left mirrors
Signal – always signal, even if you can’t see anyone
Position – maintain the normal driving position
Speed – most of the time you will be at 10-15 mph when turning and will therefore be in 2nd gear, but assess each junction as you approach; occasionally, 3rd or 1st will be more appropriate. Make sure your clutch is fully up before you turn. If it is down (coasting) you can’t brake as effectively or accelerate at all and the car may drift wide around the corner.
Look – as you reach the corner, check the inside and left mirrors again, look ahead for vehicles turning in front of you (it’s your priority but folks can be cheeky) and into the side road for any hazards. Pay extra attention to who is moving towards you and emerging from the side roads. You have the priority over everyone but make sure it is being given to you by others. 

After entering the new road, have another look in the inside mirror to see what has followed you into it.

Turning right from the major road into the minor road

The routine for this is exactly the same as previously practiced:

Mirror – look at the inside and right mirrors
Signal – always signal, even if you can’t see anyone
Position – move to just left of centre, or as close to the centre as is safe if you are in a narrow road.
Speed – as with turning left, most of the time you will be at 10-15 mph and in 2nd gear when turning if there is nothing to give way to. If there is something to give way to, naturally you will need 1st. The turning point and stop position are the same; halfway across the side road. Make sure your clutch is fully up before you turn. If it is down (coasting) you can’t brake as effectively or accelerate at all and the car may drift wide around the corner.
Look – you will be able to plan more effectively and make a better decision if you start assessing the junction and looking at oncoming traffic as you start slowing down. Just before you turn, check the inside and right mirrors again, look ahead for vehicles and into the side road for any hazards. Turn when you can do so without affecting oncoming traffic. Pay extra attention to who is moving towards you and emerging from the side roads. 

If there is a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction that is also turning right (into the road on your left) there is no priority so be prepared to give way. The speed of the other vehicle and where the driver is looking can often tell you what the driver’s intention is, so assess these as you approach. As the side roads are directly opposite each other, there is the potential for each car to block the other by moving across to the halfway point of the side road. You can be the hero of the situation by holding back slightly and creating room for the other vehicle to turn first. If you do this, make sure a vehicle emerging from one of the side roads isn’t taking advantage and pulling out before you move.  

After entering the new road, have another look in the inside mirror to see what has followed you into it.

Emerging left from the minor road into the major road

The routine for this is exactly the same as previously practiced:

Mirror – look at the inside and left mirrors
Signal – always signal, even if you can’t see anyone
Position – maintain the normal driving position
Speed – the approach speed will depend on the view you have as you approach the junction so you help yourself a lot if you start looking as you start braking. If the view is good, you may be able to stay in 2nd gear if there is no-one to give way to. If the view is bad or the road is busy, you will need 1st gear. The less you can see the slower you will have to go as the stopping distance will be shorter.
Look – as mentioned above, you help yourself a lot if you start looking as you start braking. You may not see much at first, but you will build up a gradual picture as you get closer, seeing each hazard one at a time. You will be able to make an informed, unhurried decision. If you wait until the last minute to look, you will see everything all at once and will be forced to make a rushed decision and only have a short amount of time to act on it. If you decide to use 1st, make sure your speed is just under 10mph when you change and bring the clutch to bite after changing. You can then creep safely forwards under clutch control to get a better view while being able to stop quickly but safely if you spot another vehicle. 

In addition to traffic on the major road, you may also have a vehicle in the side road opposite that also wants to turn. If that vehicle is going left or ahead, there isn’t a problem as your paths don’t cross. If the other vehicle is turning right, you have the priority as it is crossing your path. However, the other driver may not be aware of this rule (or care about it!) so make sure it is waiting for you before moving, making eye contact can help, as can looking at the behaviour of the other driver. If they are moving the steering wheel, edging forwards or not paying much attention to you, the chances are they are intent on going first. 

Emerging right from the minor road into the major road

The routine for this is exactly the same as previously practiced. As you are turning right and therefore crossing the path of others, everyone has priority over you.

Mirror – look at the inside and left mirrors
Signal – always signal, even if you can’t see anyone
Position – move to just left of centre, or as close to the centre as is safe if you are in a narrow road.
Speed – the approach speed will depend on the view you have as you approach the junction so you help yourself a lot if you start looking as you start braking. If the view is good, you may be able to stay in 2nd gear if there is no-one to give way to. If the view is bad or the road is busy, you will need 1st gear. The less you can see the slower you will have to go as the stopping distance will be shorter.
Look – as mentioned above, you help yourself a lot if you start looking as you start braking. You may not see much at first, but you will build up a gradual picture as you get closer, seeing each hazard one at a time. You will be able to make an informed, unhurried decision. If you wait until the last minute to look, you will see everything all at once and will be forced to make a rushed decision and only have a short amount of time to act on it. If you decide to use 1st, make sure your speed is just under 10mph when you change and bring the clutch to bite after changing. You can then creep safely forwards under clutch control to get a better view while being able to stop quickly but safely if you spot another vehicle. 

As you approach and are waiting at the junction, try to make eye contact with the driver opposite. He may let you go first, especially if you are both turning right, and wave or flash the lights at you to show this. If this happens, make sure it is clear everywhere else before committing to the turn. If the view left or right is limited, creep forward using clutch control in the normal way. It is tempting to rush as you know someone is waiting for you but resist! Make sure you emerge safely.

Remember that if the vehicle opposite is turning left or going ahead, you are crossing their path and it is therefore their priority. If they are also turning right, you are crossing each others path and so there is no priority. It will boil down to who wants to be nice! Be prepared to be the considerate driver and let the other guy go first.  

Common Faults

 

The importance of observations can’t be under-stated regardless of the direction you are approaching from, especially if the junction is unmarked. As you potentially need to give way to traffic coming from all directions, don’t be tempted to look in one direction for too long. Constantly turn your head from side to side (imagine you have a stiff neck!) so you keep up to date with the situation on both sides. Even if it is your priority, don’t assume that everyone will give it to you and be prepared to give way. Watching the behaviour of the other vehicle and driver can sometimes tell you what the intentions are.