Welcome to Toms Tips, #5.
In this post we’ll revise the main part of the lessons in Meeting, Crossing and Overtaking safely.
Meeting Approaching Traffic.
This can cause a danger of conflict with other road users. The most usual situation is where there is an obstruction such as a parked car in the road ahead.
- Use M S P S L.
- Anticipate actions of others.
- Give way where necessary.
- Do not squeeze through.
Crossing Traffic.
This usually means turning right into a side road or driveway, but the same safety principles apply when emerging to turn right.
You need less of a gap to cross and it must be timed to a larger gap when joining traffic on the far side of the road. In other words, do not affect vehicles on your left as you emerge.
- Use M S P S L.
- Position as close to the middle of the road that is safe, about a tyres width from the centre of the road.
- Do not affect other drivers.
- Give way to pedestrians.
Judgement – Have I got time? If you could walk across, you should be able to drive across safely, but if there’s any doubt, don’t go!
Overtaking.
First Rule of overtaking. Where can I pull back in safely?
- Use P S L M S M. (Slightly different order of checks.)
- Give adequate clearance.
- Give way if necessary in a meeting situation.
- Have regard for large and slow vehicles, give them a clear run.
- Flashing headlights: use your own judgement.
- Unsafe to overtake: bends, junctions, brow of a hill, cyclists or horses just before you turn left.
- Make sure you have enough power. It may be necessary to change down a gear.
- Find out when you can overtake on the left.
Remember: Is it safe? Is it legal? Is it within my capabilities?
“My instructor, Tom Lowe, concentrated quite a lot on this subject on my lessons, and I’m glad to have had the experience, because I live in a congested area, but it was not a problem after I passed my driving test, as I had practised a lot.”
Connor Sharples, Gloucester.
If you would like to learn to drive in a safe and efficient way, then give us a call on 01452 313713, or click here to send us in a contact form.