Priority at crossroads?

beebuzz168

Hi all

Something that has been bugging me for a while, so looking for the general consensus on where the priority lies in the following situation. I'm aware (I think) of what the highway code says but reality sometimes seems somewhat different.

The end of my road is a crossroads to an A-road (I am on the minor road). I always thought that if there is a car opposite also exiting a minor road then priority went in order of who had to cross the least number of squares to get to where they want to go (this approach may be unique to the person who taught me to drive!) so it would be:

1. left turn
2. straight ahead
3. right turn

This is obviously assuming the main A-road is clear, and is regardless of who arrived at the junction first.

Is this how other people approach them? I often find that when I want to go straight over, I have to additionally watch the person opposite trying to turn right as they will often move at the same time.

Not a life changer, but something that I often ponder as I use this crossroads several times a day!

paddedjohn

I normally give right of way to whoever was there first unless my way is clear or they are dithering, but I always try to make eye contact so I can get a rough idea of their intentions.

neilmcl

In general if you have to cross the path of the driver opposite to proceed then you give way to them, and vice versa.

Lum

Road users on the major road have priority over people entering from the minor road, but I'm sure you already knew that.

I'm guessing this is a conflict between you turning left and the person opposite turning right. Realistically speaking you should give way to the person who has already entered the junction if you are going to be crossing paths or taking the same exit. You don't want to make some poor sod have to brake and be stuck sideways across the major road.

dggar

I always assumed that the driver going staight on had priority over someone who is turning.

If the driver on the opposite side to you intends to turn to THEIR left there isn't really an issue as there is no confict.

If the driver on the opposite side to you intends to turn to THEIR Right they should give way to let you clear the crossing.

If you are turning Left and the driver on the opposite side to you intends to turn to THEIR Right they should give way to you.

(assuming you had both stopped on at the cross road to allow traffic on the Major road to clear the crossing)

I think the underlying guiding principle should be:

"Will I cause another driver to have to change their driving by doing what I intend doing. If so give way."

fannyadams

does this help?
I'm inclidend to say NO
but i think neilmcl has it correct. If your manouvre is going to obstruct the other vehicle's ability to do theirs then you give way to them.
Oh, and don't flash your lights to say 'come on' as 'officially' it just means 'I am here'
also familiarise yourself with the hand signals such as 'I intend to go straight on' as this can be beneficial in the situation where you want to go straight on and the other person is signalling right but has no idea what you want to do as you have no signal showing (although for BMWs/Audis/Mercedes'/Lexuses(Lexis)/any large silver car - be aware that they may not have the wiring fitted to their turn signals and so may not be displaying their intention to manouvre at the junction)
here endeth the lesson

marlot

Is it really such a big deal. Round here, normally the first person to the junction goes first. Make eye contact and execute the manoevre. Job done.

LandyAndy

beebuzz168 wrote: »

hi all

something that has been bugging me for a while, so looking for the general consensus on where the priority lies in the following situation. I'm aware (i think) of what the highway code says but reality sometimes seems somewhat different.



The end of my road is a crossroads to an a-road (i am on the minor road). I always thought that if there is a car opposite also exiting a minor road then priority went in order of who had to cross the least number of squares to get to where they want to go (this approach may be unique to the person who taught me to drive!) so it would be:

1. left turn
2. straight ahead
3. right turn

this is obviously assuming the main a-road is clear, and is regardless of who arrived at the junction first.

Is this how other people approach them? I often find that when i want to go straight over, i have to additionally watch the person opposite trying to turn right as they will often move at the same time.

not a life changer, but something that i often ponder as i use this crossroads several times a day!

marlot wrote: »

is it really such a big deal. Round here, normally the first person to the junction goes first. Make eye contact and execute the manoevre. Job done.

Apparently not .

Tobster86

It's one of those situations where I find the reality of the situation, regardless of who has right of way, is that if they haven't shown any signs of wanting to go then they're going to dither about and stare at you gormlessly like you're an apparition of Christ until you go or someone beeps at them. In which case, if there's space, I just go. Sometimes having a faster car helps.

forgotmyname

Dithering Derek gives way. I approached a small roundabout some time back 3 cars had just got there a second or 2 earlier, Whilst they all looked at each other unable to decide who gives way to who i shot off.

Its one of those situations you need your wits about you. If your going straight on, You can assume they should give way as they are turning right across you.
But all they need to say is they were already turning right when you pulled out.

You should give way to the right so your fault?

Never assume. Ask 20 people about the same junction and situation and you may get many answers. You have to account for those.

Lum

To be fair, that's pretty much the method I use.

I've approached the junction, other people are already waiting to enter and it would be safe for them to enter.
Is anyone in the junction that I need to be concerned about? no
Is anyone moving? no
Wait 3 seconds.
Is anyone moving now?
Right, I'll go then, thanks everyone!