Driving lesson brief 8. Emerging from busier junctions
Introduction
Once you have dealt with emerging from basic junctions it is important you understand how to emerge from busier junctions.
Lesson aims and objectives
In this lesson you will learn how to cross or join moderately busy traffic streams as you emerge from or enter junctions on roads with varying speed restrictions.
By the end of the lesson you should be able to:
- explain the importance of timing your approach, assessing gaps in the traffic and having the confidence and ability to move away quickly;
- time your approach to the junction so that you can emerge or cross the path of oncoming traffic safely without the need to stop, where the situation permits;
- position for maximum vision and safety at junctions with restricted sight-lines;
- judge the speed and distance of approaching traffic and determine the size of gap necessary to join or cross traffic streams without impeding the progress of other road users;
- move away briskly from side roads into the major road when a safe opportunity arises.
Subject brief
Emerging at busier junctions
Before you can emerge into a major road with busy traffic streams you need a safe gap in the traffic. This gap has to be large enough for you to emerge and build up your speed to that of the traffic already on the major road.
When turning right you will also need a gap to appear in the traffic from the right large enough to give you time to cross over to the left hand side of the major road. The gap from the right needs to appear at the same time as the gap in the traffic from the left. The space needed from the right does not need to be as long as the one from the left as you are only crossing over to the left side of the road.
If your view of the junction is obscured by parked vehicles continue to creep forward slowly until you can obtain a view as in the diagram below.
Emerging at Y junctions
The procedure for approaching and emerging from Y junctions is basically the same as T junctions. However, the position of your vehicle may need to be slightly different just before emerging. Extra observations should be taken in order to improve your zone of vision as the pillars of the car might obscure your view and cause you to miss something small like a motorcycle or pedestrian.
Highway Code study
Rule: 211.