Emerging at T-Junctions
On the approach look out for the give way lines, cars turning into your road and road signs.
CLOSED AND OPEN T-JUNCTIONS
There are two types of T-Junctions:
Open: This means visibility on the approach is good, you can see up and down the major road fully, so you will be able to make your decision earlier to go or prepare to hold back.
Closed: Also known as ‘Blind’. This means visibility on the approach is usually poor due to houses/tree’s etc… blocking your view until you get closer to the give way line. You will need to approach these a lot slower than the open T-Junctions.
MSPSL
M: Check your interior and left door mirror for turning left! Look out for anything following close behind and emerging on your left when you slow down- like cyclists.
S: Make sure you signal in good time, so it benefits other road users. Be careful of signalling before the road you actually want.
P: (Turning Left) If you’re driving on quite a wide road, then adjust your position to the left, about 1-2 drain widths from the kerb. If you’re on a narrow road, then maintain your normal driving position. If you are turning right, then position yourself beside the white centre lines but not over.
S: Open: Reduce speed down to roughly 10mph, then select 2nd gear and bring the clutch back up if you think you are ready to emerge.
Blind: You will need to reduce your speed gradually, once you are roughly 2 cars away from the give way line, then push the clutch down fully and select 1st gear. If the car begins to judder before you get to 2 cars away, then push the clutch down, continue to brake and again 2 car lengths away, select 1st gear ready to pull away. You may need to use clutch control to move the car forwards slightly to improve your view.
L: The minimum observations required is to look: right, left, right, before you emerge. More observations if necessary though. Think Tennis match observations and you shouldn’t go far wrong. If your view is restricted, then you can also lean forward to increase visibility. Avoid staring, quick head movements – both ways. Look out for pedestrians around the T-Junction, if they step out. You will need to wait behind your give way lines until it is clear. Cyclists are also easily missed, especially when there are lots of obstructions, like parked cars near the junction.
