Junction stalemate

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Discussion

Zero Fuchs

Original Poster:

1,407 posts

24 months

Saturday 15th April 2023
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Not sure if anyone else has experienced this but I regularly have a situation at a junction where I'm looking to turn right into a main road. The road is wide enough for two cars so I typically signal right and position myself on the right side of the lane, as you should.

The trouble is, cars behind, wanting to turn left also approach the junction leading to a stalemate where they block my view (of cars approaching from the left) but also block their own view (of cars approaching from the right). Stupidly this can lead to them edging forward to see round my car, blocking my view further, so the temptation is for me to edge out too.

It's all pretty obvious really and in an ideal world, the car behind would wait for me to turn before stopping at the line. One for one is the logical way forward.

One possible solution is for me to position myself in the middle of the lane, blocking anyone from being able to turn left. But this is not really on and technically wrong. However, if I'm in my MR2, I can be stuck at this junction forever as SUV after SUV turn left and continuously block my view.

What's the right thing to do here?

Driversmatter

161 posts

99 months

Saturday 22nd April 2023
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I think the right thing to do for safety and best flow is to do the wrong thing. Position for vision and block the left turning traffic having the opportunity to block you. I would do it on an advanced test and use my commentary to explain why.

PhilAsia

4,587 posts

81 months

Saturday 22nd April 2023
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Driversmatter said:
I think the right thing to do for safety and best flow is to do the wrong thing. Position for vision and block the left turning traffic having the opportunity to block you. I would do it on an advanced test and use my commentary to explain why.
Agreed. I would use "firm positioning to encourage a preferable outcome" rather than ""block" as an explanation though biggrin. The same "firm encouragement" that is shown when positioning early for meeting oncoming vehicles when the road narrows.

Driversmatter

161 posts

99 months

Saturday 22nd April 2023
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Nice - I'm stealing that phrase!

Pica-Pica

14,353 posts

90 months

Saturday 22nd April 2023
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Yes, it’s certainly wise to ‘control the circumstances’ to avoid a ‘less favourable outcome’.

Robertb

1,969 posts

244 months

Tuesday 25th April 2023
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I'd position a bit to the left to keep the left side clear.

There is a dangerous junction near me where two single track roads meet to join a fast A-road at the crest of a hill. I've noticed that most drivers are very considerate and will wait to give the driver who arrived first a clearer view.