Turning Left.
Giving way to other vehicles
The aim of this session is to develop your ability to assess traffic situations
accurately, apply the Traffic Regulation effectively and implement considered judgment.
To give-way to another vehicle or pedestrian requires the action of either slowing
or stopping your vehicle, to enable the other vehicle or pedestrian to continue
on their way without risk of collision as the case may be. It is worth noting that
where you do not give-way to another vehicle which has right of way but does not
present a dangerous situation, is considered by authorities as a significant driving
fault and will result in the deduction of test points.
If authorities deem a situation to be dangerous you would fail your assessment immediately,
it is expected also that you would not add to a dangerous situation by forcing right
of way over a vehicle which appears to be on a collision course, even if the other
vehicle is in the wrong.
All things considered you are expected to be able to recognise a dangerous situation
or on the other hand a safe one and take appropriate action. Courtesy may be extended
judiciously where other traffic is not interrupted, but don't become a hazard or
a nuisance.
Intersections
A considerable percentage of all accidents occur at intersections, unless the intersection
has clear visibility, you should reduce speed enough to enable you to stop to avoid
a collision, even if you are approaching a green light.
To stop from 60 km/h requires a reaction distance of at least 17 metres, plus approximately
20 metres braking distance, a total 37 metres altogether, provided conditions and
your brakes are good. To stop from 30 km/h under similar conditions would require
a total distance of only about 15 metres, less if your right foot is covering the
brake.
Many accidents are caused by drivers failing to see another vehicle. In considering
your course through the intersection effective assessment is required of the possible
dangers. As you enter the intersection, and a clear view is provided, assess further
into the intersecting road, still be prepared to stop until you judge it is safe
or otherwise.
Turning Left
Drivers should be well aware of Traffic Regulations in regard to the left turn.
Regulations state that drivers are required to give-way to all vehicles with the
exception of vehicles intending to make a right turn or "U" Turn. The exceptions
to the regulations do not apply at intersections where there is a roundabout, a
slip lane or service lane, here you still must give-way to the right turning vehicles.
The left turn pedestrian laws only regard the driver liable to give-way to pedestrians
that are crossing the road the driver is entering.