Turning Right Across Junction
Discussion
- Obviously title should be turning right across junction
However most of the other cars do this:
By doing that, they block the free flow of traffic because inevitably there isn't a gap left, so the cars queue up and block each other.
Junction is here: https://www.google.com/maps/@51.3898607,-0.1885481...
Turning from Middleton Road into St Helier Avenue.
So which one is correct?
Edited by c1223 on Saturday 15th March 13:20
Picture 1 is the correct approach. The vehicles maintain proper lane discipline, allowing traffic to flow efficiently without unnecessary blockages. Right-turning vehicles position themselves in a way that does not obstruct oncoming traffic, reducing the risk of congestion and keeping the junction clear.
mmm-five said:
I did see this, but as you allude to, it doesn't really account for the size of the junction. The issue with this particular junction (and many others) is that more than 1 car can enter the junction and therefore block it.In the OP's example, I think I would rather turn with my driver's side to the other car's driver's side, so the view to each of our lefts of the respective traffic streams we're each trying to join is less obstructed.
But it depends on the size of the junction, traffic light set up if any, what other cars are doing etc.
But it depends on the size of the junction, traffic light set up if any, what other cars are doing etc.
I always do turn behind unless the road markings indicate turn in front, in those cases I've noticed its usually a traffice lights controlled juctions with a turn right arrow.
Around our local area if you are both turning from a minor road to a more major one then I usually make eye contact with the opposite driver and indicate they should go first and I wait for them unless they are already indicating I should go first. Around there often often its easier for one to go than the other so if both ways are clear drivers usually let the one go first who has the least time to make the move.
Around our local area if you are both turning from a minor road to a more major one then I usually make eye contact with the opposite driver and indicate they should go first and I wait for them unless they are already indicating I should go first. Around there often often its easier for one to go than the other so if both ways are clear drivers usually let the one go first who has the least time to make the move.
Near side to near side is far more common in this country and generally confuses people less, even when it might be more appropriate to go off side to off side. I believe off side to off side is much more common in some other countries.
As per the highway code, really, whatever you think is best, although if there isn't much in it you'll probably get things flowing better going near side to near side just because that's what people mostly expect.
As per the highway code, really, whatever you think is best, although if there isn't much in it you'll probably get things flowing better going near side to near side just because that's what people mostly expect.
Older members will remember that, many years ago, the Highway Code specifically stated that you should treat junctions as if there was an imaginary policeman on point duty in the middle of the junction and go around him (like a mini roundabout these days)
On the day of my driving test there was a huge power cut and no traffic lights were working. The examiner told me to turn right at a junction, and on point duty in the middle of the road was a policeman who signalled to me to turn in front of him rather than (as the HC stated) around him.
For the benefit of younger readers:-
On the day of my driving test there was a huge power cut and no traffic lights were working. The examiner told me to turn right at a junction, and on point duty in the middle of the road was a policeman who signalled to me to turn in front of him rather than (as the HC stated) around him.
For the benefit of younger readers:-
whimsical ninja said:
Near side to near side is far more common in this country and generally confuses people less, even when it might be more appropriate to go off side to off side. I believe off side to off side is much more common in some other countries.
As per the highway code, really, whatever you think is best, although if there isn't much in it you'll probably get things flowing better going near side to near side just because that's what people mostly expect.
Some countires require nearside to nearside - e.g. Switzerland or Germany (the latter apparently because of the 'mericans).As per the highway code, really, whatever you think is best, although if there isn't much in it you'll probably get things flowing better going near side to near side just because that's what people mostly expect.
However the big risk is that you may not see following vehicles who have right of way - in particular cyclists or motorcycles. Offside to offside ensures a better view of oncoming traffic that you may obstruct or collide with (what the highway code already states).
On the rare occasion that I'm cycling, I'm doubly cautious when I see a car turning to its offside in front of me, because there's a significant risk of crossing traffic from the other direction not seeing me.
Theres a cross-roads junction (like in the HC illustration) near me, quite tight and with a set of 3 way lights. When turning right, I like to turn in front of the oncoming cars who are turning to their right as this way I can move to the right a bit and allow others going straight on to pass.
I had a bloke the other day getting worked up, pointing at me like I should be passing behind him, which wouldn't work in any case as I'd have gone past the road.
I had a bloke the other day getting worked up, pointing at me like I should be passing behind him, which wouldn't work in any case as I'd have gone past the road.
I was taught that passing offside to offside was correct and generally follow that unless the road markings dictate otherwise. Though on occasions, I have flashed an approaching vehicle to let them cross in front of me while I hang back, if my side of the road is clear and theirs isn't, for example.
CanAm said:
Older members will remember that, many years ago, the Highway Code specifically stated that you should treat junctions as if there was an imaginary policeman on point duty in the middle of the junction and go around him (like a mini roundabout these days)
On the day of my driving test there was a huge power cut and no traffic lights were working. The examiner told me to turn right at a junction, and on point duty in the middle of the road was a policeman who signalled to me to turn in front of him rather than (as the HC stated) around him.
For the benefit of younger readers:-
I did point duty at Ludgate Circus in the 70s. Many drivers seemed to drive directly at me. On the day of my driving test there was a huge power cut and no traffic lights were working. The examiner told me to turn right at a junction, and on point duty in the middle of the road was a policeman who signalled to me to turn in front of him rather than (as the HC stated) around him.
For the benefit of younger readers:-
The probable reason for the officer indicating to the driver under test he should turn in front of him was to ensure he had sight of him all the time.
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