21. Junctions (NS 3.1.3)
Approach Speed. You approach junctions at a safe speed dependent upon the road and traffic conditions and the zone of vision available to you.
Here are three examples:
Example 1
You are approaching a large roundabout on a dual carriageway. The road is dry and there is very little traffic. The zone of vision on approach is very clear allowing observation in all directions 50m before the give-away lines:
Exercise 5: What should you do?
Complete this exercise in your workbook
Describe your likely actions on approach and through the junction
On approach to junctions, your speed should be determined by the following:
- Your zone of vision. How early you can see it is clear so that you can cross the give way line(s) safely. The later you can see it is safe to proceed, the slower you must be on approach to the junction.
- The amount of steering you will have to do. You need time to steer effectively, particularly at sharp turns, therefore, slowing down, appropriate to the amount of steering that is required, is essential.
- The road surface conditions. Ice, rain, loose chippings, mud and leaves on the road can seriously affect road holding. Approach junctions more slowly if any of these conditions prevail.
- The density of traffic. In busy, urban driving the sheer weight of traffic and pedestrian/cycle activity may require you to slow down more than usual. In these conditions, there is a greater risk of accidents, so keeping your speed i
Example 2
You approach a closed, uphill “T Junction. On each side of the road, cars are parked and there is only room for one vehicle to pass through the middle. School children are on the pavements and are attempting to cross the road between parked cars.
Exercise 6:
How should you approach this junction? List 5 factors which determine your speed
Complete this exercise in your workbook
Example 3
You are approaching a left turn (major to minor) and fail to slow down adequately leading to a loss of control. This could lead to other faults including:
- Harsh braking.
- Wrong or late gear change
- Coasting around the corner
- Poor steering / poor position on new road
- Braking around the corner and poor car stability = Omitted mirror check
- Limited observation into the new road
- Confusion / harsh braking of other traffic