Roadcraft - The Police Driver's Handbook PDF

240 Roadcraft -The Police Driver’s Harxibook fifr. Watch for drivers changing lanes for an exit road at the last minute...

240 Roadcraft -The Police Driver’s Harxibook fifr. Watch for drivers changing lanes for an exit road at the last minute and watch for traffic joining the motorway at the slip road ahead. Using the hard shoulder The hard shoulder forms part of a motorway: on a traditional motorway, it's intended for emergency use only. It niust only be used in accordance with the Highway Code and, for emergency services drivers, the most recent professional guidelines. Stopping on the hard shoulder is dangerous both ii for the occupants of the stationary vehicle and for other motorway users because there's a high risk of collision. Never use the hard shoulder for overtaking unless assigned to an emergency incident. On stretches of smart motorway, you may find the hard shoulder is permanently used as a running lane (ALR motorways)’. In these conditions, be extra vigilant and watch out for stationary vehicles in any of the live lanes. Also look out for vehicles pulling into or out of emergency areas. When you move onto the hard shoulder, or into an emergency area, be aware that the road surface may contain loose gravel and other debris, which could reduce the available grip for stopping. When you leave the hard shoulder or an emergency area, carefully observe the traffic approaching from behind. Depending on the volume of traffic, choose an appropriate moment to move off. If you’re leaving the hard shoulder, build up vehicle speed to match the vehicles in lane 1 before you move on to lane 1 of the carriageway. ‘ At the time of publication, this information is under review and will be updated in the next impression. 1 ' I 1