Cross Roads
Cross Roads (Minor Road to Major Road & Minor to Major Roads)
The first thing to do with junctions is recognise they are coming up, simply looking well ahead and being mentally prepare is key. These Junctions can be identified by lines appearing in the road such give way or hazard, changes in the directions of the buildings or traffic passing the end of the road.
Skills you can transfer.
You will already have had driving lessons on both Turn Left and Right and
T-Junctions and will be familiar with the MSPSL routine, this will be use in the same way with a few minor changes.
MSPSL =Mirror Signal Position Speed Look
Mirror
Always check at least 2 mirrors as usual starting with the centre mirror assessing the distance position and speed of following traffic and then followed by the door mirror in the direction you intend to turn checking there is no one to the side such as a bicycle or motorbike as you would not want to turn into them.
Signal
A direction indicator should be applied to guide other road users and when you start to brake the brake lights will also show.
Position
Gaining the correct position on the approach or emerging from a Cross Roads Junction does several things such as backing up your indicator to give following traffic a guide to where you are going.
The position will also help with the steering when you reach your Point Of Turn.
Left Approach
If you are turning left you should hold your normal driving position until the kerb curves off to the left then angle your car in the same direction. Your Homer’s Driving Instructor will give you reference points to line up on the kerb to help you. This will maximise your view of the new road and allow traffic turning right to pass you with ease.
Left Emerge
If you are turning left you should hold your normal driving position until the kerb curves off to the left then angle your car in the same direction. Your Homer’s Driving Instructor will give you reference points to line up on the kerb to help you. This will maximise your view of the new road and allow traffic turning right to pass you with ease.
Right Approach
Position just to the left of the centre hazard warning line on the road will allow following traffic who are turning left to pass to the left of you without being delayed and will optimise you view of the new road. Your Homer’s Driving Instructor will give you reference points to line up on the centre line to help you.
Right Emerge
Position just to the left of the centre hazard warning line on the road will allow following traffic who are turning left to pass to the left of you without being delayed and will optimise you view of the new road. Your Homer’s Driving Instructor will give you reference points to line up on the centre line to help you.
Speed
Your approach speed to a Cross Roads is crucial. Depending on whether it is an Emerging or an Approaching the Junction. Looking well ahead as you first approach will give you a lot of decision making information.
Emerging
If you can see far enough into the new road to make a safe decision on pulling out well back from the end of the road then it is an Open Junction and you show brake enough to select 2nd Gear and keep moving providing the corner is not too sharp, there is a Stop sign or if there is traffic coming of course.
If your view is restricted then it is a Closed Junction and a slower approach should be taken selecting 1st Gear bring the clutch back only to the biting point until you have made a decision on if it is safe to go.
Approaching
Left turn
If you can assess it is safe to drive in you should brake enough to select 2nd Gear and keep moving providing the corner is not too sharp, remember to avoid coasting by bring the clutch fully up – you will have more vehicle control then.
If your view is restricted or it is a very sharp turning then and a slower approach should be taken selecting 1st Gear bring the clutch up again.
Right Turn
Assess the oncoming traffic level, think to yourself would I be able to walk across the road with the on coming traffic if you could select 2nd gear again no coasting here bring the clutch fully up.
Look
What ever the junction type Emerging or Approaching always look early, you can never have enough information on what’s going on ahead at the junction, traffic levels, pedestrians, and parked cars around the end of the road or in the new road. The minimum observations to be taken are Right-Ahead-Left-Ahead-Right then the direction you intend to drive.
Priority
Priority is similar to the Emerging and Approaching except dealing with the extra road ahead of you. Remember priority is given and never taken. Your Homer’s Driving Instructor will fully cover the priorities on your driving lessons.
Once you have entered the new road and taken up your normal driving position always check your centre and right door mirror to update yourself on the new road traffic
