Almost had a crash today because of these road markings

Car_54

It was clear from the sign that there were two exits, to the left and right. The OP took the LH lane, correctly. He then saw the road markings, and decided for some reason that he was not going left. Hard to blame the road markings for that.

Kiran

Norman_Castle wrote: »

Not sure of the legality of ignoring them but they are not only a guide, you are expected to comply.
"Highway Code 134
You should follow the signs and road markings and get into the lane as directed."


QUOTE]


I see where you are coming from but "should" isn't the same as "must". I do agree if you cause an accident etc. then you would have a hard job to prove competent and safe driving. Essentially doing it with considered intent is not the same as doing it because you didn't realise what the correct lane is.


Another example of this is straight lining roundabouts, its perfectly legal to do and is covered in roadcraft. The issue comes when you do not pay due care and attention and end up cutting people up

Car_54

Kiran wrote: »

Another example of this is straight lining roundabouts, its perfectly legal to do and is covered in roadcraft.

Except at mini-roundabouts, where it's an offence.

JackeeBoy

Norman_Castle wrote: »

The first exit, arrowed left, would be considered straight ahead by most. The second exit, arrowed straight ahead, would be considered right by most. The arrows don't correspond to the lanes.

I agree it left lane should have a straight arrow but approaching the road, judging by the picture, it should be clear that you need to go forward just by pure sight alone. So many roundabouts have confusing lines and lanes that don't go to where you need to go if strictly stick by them so I understand the pain around the signs. This situation however, it's clear there is only one lane on the left so you should be in that lane.

AnotherJoe

NaughtiusMaximus wrote: »

Something I've never witnessed in 25+ years of driving, can't be that big a problem surely.

I once, honest guv, encountered someone reversing around a roundabout because they missed their exit. :mad::eek:

AnotherJoe

CreditCardChris wrote: »

Can someone tell me if this was "my fault" or not?

So I'm driving down this road and see the roundabout sign https://i.imgur.com/yzA4gW8.png so I remain in the left hand lane as this is first exit and pretty much straight ahead. As I get closer I see the road markings https://i.imgur.com/MJdUlhR.jpg and I think I'm in the wrong lane because the straight ahead arrow is on the right hand lane... And the marking on the left hand lane shows an actual left hand turn but I didn't remember seeing a left hand exit on the sign.

So me trying to be correct, I move over to the right hand lane and as I get a few feet from the roundabout I realise there is no left hand exit but as I try to get back over to the left hand lane

theres your mistake. Too focussed on getting in the "correct" lane rather than being safe.

If it could be dangerous to turn or not to turn, then go round the roundabout or take the wrong turn because thats teh safest thing to do and turn around later when its safe.
again I almost hit the guy behind me as he thought I was going right at the roundabout...

I've only been driving for a damn week, I feel terrible.

We all make mistakes, no one was killed, no damage, learn from it.

Is it just me or are these road markings very misleading?
Mildly. Round me they like to spring "left turn only" markinsg with about 10 yards notice.
Why the hell is the first exit considered a left turn when it's pretty much straight ahead and the second exit is considered straight ahead when it's at the 3 oclock position!

This is why I hate driving on unfamiliar roads

It was your fault but dont beat yourself up about it.

To reiterate, if in the wrong lane, or in a lane where it could be dangerous to go left at the last minute (or not go left) because you havent got time to look behind and make a decision, as in this case, simply go around / take the safe exit.

That behaviour should have been taught to you by your instructor.

Kiran

Car_54 wrote: »

Except at mini-roundabouts, where it's an offence.

Are you talking about going over the top of the roundabout? If so then I agree but if it is safe and clear to do so you can start in lane 1 and cross over into lane 2 and exit in lane 1.

Brilley

I think the OP is right in showing some confusion.

I think the arrows on the road are very misleading. The LH one should show "straight on", and the RH one should show a turn to the right.....IMHO

AnotherJoe

Brilley wrote: »

I think the OP is right in showing some confusion.

I think the arrows on the road are very misleading. The LH one should show "straight on", and the RH one should show a turn to the right.....IMHO

Agreed but that doesn't give carte blanche to move from one lane to the other dangerously.

Car_54

Brilley wrote: »

I think the OP is right in showing some confusion.

I think the arrows on the road are very misleading. The LH one should show "straight on", and the RH one should show a turn to the right.....IMHO

Why would the LH lane be marked "straight on" when it is actually to the left, as shown on the sign?