Safe Speed Forums

When turning right at crossroads nearly everyone seems to turn in-front of oncoming cars that are turning to their right. So if two cars approach the junction from different sides and both are turning right they tend to do so in front of each other.

However, the highway code clearly states that you should drive past the other car and turn after them. Nobody does this now as it causes queues.

Should this part of the highway code be amended?

HC Rule 157 seems to suggest that in the absence of any markings giving clear instructions either is correct:
At some junctions I prefer the turn behind method for exactly the reasons given in the HC. At others I prefer the turn in front. Either can be done safely, but there's a potential problem in that I might be intending to do one and the driver opposite might be intending to do the other. IMO it would be better if the HC said (in their red block capital stylee ) you must turn behind. Or in front. Because of queues I lean towards the turn in front option, but I'm really not too fussed as long as the ambiguity is removed. I'd like rule 157 to read something like "keep the other vehicle on your left and turn in front of it unless road markings indicate otherwise" and then shell out on the paint necessary to indicate which junctions should always be treated as "turn behind" ones.

Edit required by instant rethink : I was thinking of a particular light controlled crossroads when I said all that. Obviously the two HC picture examples can realistically be tackled in only one way each.

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Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler - Einstein

The turn in front method obscures the view of oncoming traffic particularly of cylists or motorcylists trying to sneak by on the inside.

In the pictures shown the cylist alongside the green van could be in for a nasty surprise.

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Shooting is good for you and too good for some people.

It's more than possible to make a right turn in front of an opposing vehicle without giving anybody sneaking up the inside a nasty surprise.

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What makes you think I'm drunk officer, have I got a fat bird with me?

In practice the turn behind method is virtually never used nowadays.

Very often there is a queue of right turning vehicles which makes it impractical anyway.

The HC used to positively recommend it, but the change in wording to a neutral one is a recognition of reality.

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"Show me someone who says that they have never exceeded a speed limit, and I'll show you a liar, or a menace." (Austin Williams - Director, Transport Research Group)

Any views expressed in this post are personal opinions and may not represent the views of Safe Speed

It only causes queues because it is not the norm. It is only not the norm because it is not taught properly to start with.

Whenever possible I will pass offside to offside, usually people get the message and comply. It's all a matter of making your intentions very obvious. I've only had to wind the window down and explain the technique on one occasion.

thats about the cut of it, nothing worse than hitting an unmarked junction to do a right and wondering what the right-turner coming towards you is planning on.

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Fear is a weapon of mass distraction

I've seen junctions with arrows painted on the road indicating that you should actually turn in front of the oncoming cars which I find very odd. The only one I can think of just now is in the centre of Paisley but I know I've seen others.

I think Romney Road and the A6 in Kendal are signed on the surface in that manner - it certainly makes sense at that junction.
From experience there, I would say a cyclist would only be masked by certain types of vehicles - and in that situation, you take more care.

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Time to take responsibility for our actions.. and don't be afraid of speaking out!

At the junction I've seen it also makes sense to turn in front. However, I wonder if anyone has ever seen markings suggesting you turn behind the other car?