Look, Assess & Decide

Can you remember what we said about looking in the previous example for a vehicle arriving at a crossroads.

The vehicle is now positioned so the driver can see if it is safe to emerge - if it isn't STOP, continue to check the traffic situation until it is safe before you proceed.
If it is safe - how fast are you going - if you are still moving at about walking pace then 2nd gear will probably be appropriate but if you've had to practically stop 1st gear might give you more flexibility and control for the next stage.

Having made our checks, assessed the situation and decided if it is safe to proceed we will be in a position to make the turn. we'll let the red car get clear

Now let's look at how priority is decided at crossroads.

[Introduction][Approaching Crossroads][Emerging at Crossroads] [Crossing][Summary]

Speed

Now adjusting our speed - remember one of the reasons for slowing down is to enable us to make effective observations - you can see the views to the left are open but views to the right are obscured by the bushes at the side of the road.

so we keep slowing until we get to a position where we can see

We would be approaching at a speed that will enable us to stop if necessary anyway but we will recognise that we will not get a clear view until we are at the crossroads and will slow down accordingly.

You will often encounter crossroad that will require the creep and peep routine to be used in the same way you were taught to deal with obstructed views on emerging at junctions.

Now wer're at a position that gives a clear uninterrupted view in all directions - we'll let the red car get clear and then we'll be able to complete the manoeuvre.

Position

Taking up the normal position for a right turn.

There were no white lines on the road until we were close to the crossroads - we are probably on a narrow road and will have to ensure that we leave enough room for any vehicles travelling in the opposite direction to pass.

Parked cars may also influence our position - even when the situation appears to be as simple as this one we need to be alert all the time when driving.

Signal

He makes the appropriate signal. - Don't forget signals are not made without checking what is happening around us and what message they will give to other road users.

Mirrors

This time the driver intends turning right - which mirrors will he check?