Advice on approaching slip roads

venomx

Hi all.
Been driving for about 4 months now and been getting loads of experience every day. Covered most things myself such as parallel parking, rear bay parking, roundabouts, over-taking, motorways, A roads ( dual carriageways ) , country roads, city driving, following sat-navs, driving whilst it's dark, heavy rain, ice, snow etc and really confident and feels as though it benefits my mental health too.

The only thing I get nervous about is approaching blind slip roads whilst on carriageways. I've had no problems at all but want some advice.

Generally, if the car wanting to join is ahead of me i'll back off a bit and let them join, if I'm ahead of them then I'll put my foot down and give them space to join behind me. If they are along-side me then I tend to gauge their speed and usually speed up ( as this is what I'd expect people on the carriageway to do if I was joining )

If lane 2 is clear then usually I'll check my mirrors well in advance, and go into lane 2 to make it easier for anyone to join.

I know in the highway code people on the carriageway have right of way, but just ignoring cars wanting to join and not adjusting my speed seems uncourteous and not what i'd expect from anyone else.

Can anyone on here give some advice on how they approach slip roads whilst already on the carriageway/motorways ?

Herzlos

Pretty much what you do. 
There's no legal obligation for you to accommodate them since you have right of way, but most people try and make it safer for them.

Signaling and changing lane is the most obvious manoeuvre though, given the choice.

sevenhills

venomx said:

The only thing I get nervous about is approaching blind slip roads whilst on carriageways. I've had no problems at all but want some advice.

I have never heard them called 'blind slip roads'.

Sounds like you are doing ok, just worrying too much. So long as you don't find yourself at the side of a vehicle trying to get on, you will be fine.

venomx

sevenhills said:

venomx said:

The only thing I get nervous about is approaching blind slip roads whilst on carriageways. I've had no problems at all but want some advice.

I have never heard them called 'blind slip roads'.

I mean slip-roads where you cannot see the cars wanting to come on until late

Flight3287462

The biggest problem is folk trying to join a 70mph carriageway and decide to join at 40mph.  You really want to stay out their way they are a nightmare and an accident waiting to happen, you want to keep well out their way.

Either shift lane or make sure you stay in front of them.

Car_54

Moving to lane 2 is best.

If you can't do that safely, maintain a steady speed to avoid confusing the joining driver.

NSG666

As per Car54 - let those joining adjust their speed, you maintain yours.

daveyjp

NSG666 said:

As per Car54 - let those joining adjust their speed, you maintain yours.

Black and white rules don't work for moving traffic.  Assess and act on the situation.

 OP.  It appears you are driving sensibly and defensively.  You are aware of others and try and accommodate them,  There is no shame in slowing if this is the safe thing to do.  If the joiner is slow, speed up and let them  join behind.

EssexExile

You're doing it fine. Just remember, whatever you do someone won't like it!

Reginald74

I actually think speeding up and slowing down can create problems. Best to just maintain a constant speed and leave the decision to the joiner. Yes to move into lane 2 if possible. And if they should clearly join ahead of you, flashing them to let them know they are OK to join seems to help.

marlot

I'd tend to stay at my current speed, to avoid confusing the other driver.  Move to lane 2 if it is safe to do so.

But be very aware that a joining car may not have seen you and have a plan for what you do/where you go if that appears to be the case.  Braking is usually best, and steering around them if you can.  But maybe that's from too many years riding a motorbike!