Emerging from T-junctions

How much can you see as you approach?

 

The way you deal with a T-junction depends on how much you can see into the major road ahead.

If the view is wide and unobstructed, you are approaching an open-vision junction. You have enough information to make an informed decision about whether it's safe to emerge.

It the view is limited, you are approaching a closed-vision junction. You do not have enough information to think about emerging yet. You need to find out more.

The road markings sometimes (but not always) tell you what type of junction you are approaching.

Stop lines: At accident blackspots (where your vision is extremely limited) you often find a 'stop' line – one unbroken line running across the road in front of you. You must always come to a dead stop behind the stop line. Then take the time to work out if it's safe to emerge from the junction.

Give way lines: Elsewhere you find 'give way' lines – two broken lines running across the road in front of you. You do not have to stop here, but you do still have to look to see if it's safe to emerge.

At a 'give way' junction, the emphasis is on making progress if the way is clear. But that doesn't mean that all 'give way' junctions have open vision. Many have closed vision; you must emerge with caution or stop till you can see that the way is clear.

How can you tell where the junction is?

You'll know the road is coming to an end because you'll see:
1. Road signs: red-bordered warning triangles tell you that you're approaching a T-junction
2. Road markings: road markings running across the road ahead
3. Buildings: the end of a row of buildings could indicate a junction
4. Parked cars: the end of a row of parked cars could indicate a junction
5. Moving cars: cars driving across the road ahead

Mirrors • Signal • Position • Speed • Look (MSPSL routine)

When you've spotted the junction at which you want to turn, follow the MSPSL routine.
Mirrors

• Turning left: Look into your rear-view mirror and left side mirror (shows you what's happening behind you and on your left side).

• Turning right: Look into your rear-view mirror and right side mirror (shows you what's happening behind you and on your right side).

Signal

• In towns, make your signalling clear. If you signal your intention to turn left or right too early, people may think you're pulling over to stop. If you signal too late, other drivers won't have time to react. Be guided by your speed. If you're travelling at 30mph, six car lengths is about right; at 10–15mph, two car lengths is more appropriate.

Position

• Turning left: Take a safe driving line – about 1 metre from the kerb.

• Turning right: If you can, take a driving line just to the left of the central line. If obstacles such as parked cars force you further over to the right, it is okay to cross the central line, but stay as close to it as you safely can.

 

 

Speed

• Your speed should be neither too slow nor too fast. Adjust it by easing off the accelerator and gentle use of the foot brake.

• If you're approaching a stop junction, you must come to a dead halt before the line.

Look

• As you approach, gather as much information about the road ahead as you approach.

• If you can't see clearly, come to a halt when your right side mirror is in line with the single broken white lines on the right side of the road. From here you should have a good view of the road to left and right.

• If your view's still not good enough, edge forward using what's known as the peep-and-creep method. Strain your head forward to get the best view you can. At the same time, hold the clutch pedal at the bite point and raise or lower it in steps equivalent to the thickness of a £1 coin. When you raise the pedal slightly, your car edges forward; when you lower it, your car slows down.

• Keep looking to left and right. The minimum you should do is to look right, left, and right again.

• Look as often as it takes till you can see that the road is clear and that your movement will not cause any car to slow down, stop, or swerve. Take account of the position, speed, and likely future movements of every vehicle you see.

Emerging from the minor road

If the road is clear, you can emerge from the junction. Bear in mind that you will be moving out slowly, while traffic on the major road is travelling fast. You must be prepared to give way. At closed-vision junctions, the situation can change quickly.

Left turns: Start turning the wheel to the left when the front of your car reaches the first curving kerbstone.
Right turns: Aim to get into your normal safe driving line as early as you can. Steer according to the conditions, paying special attention to parked cars and other obstacles.

After the turn

You're now in a new road and travelling slowly. Before you start to pick up speed, check the road ahead and look again into your mirrors. Look out especially for other drivers trying to overtake you. And don't forget to cancel your signals if they haven't self-cancelled.