Road Rules and Regulations PDF

1.3 Road markings Some situations you may 1.3.1 Distance to the car in front of you encounter on t...

1.3 Road markings Some situations you may 1.3.1 Distance to the car in front of you encounter on the road: 1. A car may start to overtake a string of vehicles approaching from the other direction. Action: Keep to the right, slow down and flash your headlights. 2. Encountering a vehicle coming towards you on the wrong lane, which is considered an unpleasant experience. Action: Reduce the speed immediately, flash your headlights Road markings are used to Road markings appear as repeatedly, and use qualify and clarify the rules lines, continuous or broken, the horn. and drive As drivers tend not to keep and regulations enacted painted along or across the as close to the right their distance and queues from Federal Law. They may carriageway. In addition to as possible. You may often build up in city traffic, warn of a danger; they may lines, you will encounter need to steer the the risk of collision in such divide the road into different arrows, studs, symbols and vehicle a bit off the conditions can be high. lanes; they may separate text messages. road as a last resort. Not only does driving close a motor vehicle lane from behind another vehicle raise a cycle track or pedestrian A broken line functions 3. You encounter several the risk of an accident, but way; or they may signal as a recommendation, heavy vehicles at the your view of the road ahead some sort of prohibition. as a warning or as a top of a hill. One of the is also obscured and driving guide for road users. drivers behind may will not be smooth. If you Their advantage is that they Drivers must be familiar with risk overtaking before have another vehicle so can easily be seen when Continuous lines all types of road markings. you reach the top. close on your tail that you other signs are hidden by are prohibitive lines. Action: Be ready to fear it will run into you from traffic and they can give a Crossing or straddling a You will find them steer to the right, slow behind, slow down slightly continuing message as you continuous line dividing illustrated in the appendix down and flash your so as to increase your safety drive along the road. two lanes is prohibited. Road Markings. headlights. margin with the vehicle ahead of you. As a general rule, the more 4. An oncoming car gets the paint, the more important into a skid. Action: the message is. Slow down, keep well clear, don’t slam on the brakes. As a last resort, you may have to steer off the road. 016 REGULATING THE ROADS REGULATING THE ROADS 017 1.4 Rules of the Road 1.4.1 The Left Hand Rule: 1.4.2 The Main Road or 1.4.3 The Exit and 1.4.5 The Obstruction Rule 1.4.6 The Bus Rule Vehicle approaching Priority Road Rule Entering Rule from the left At road junctions and The Left hand rule does not You must give way to all In the event of a traffic jam, obstructing a crossroads or In cities or countries with intersections not controlled apply where a Give Way or other traffic whenever you walkway is prohibited. public transport buses, buses by traffic lights or road Stop sign is present. exit a parking lot, a petrol leaving a bus stop have markings, priority must station, a residential area, This is known as the Obstruction Rule. priority inside the city limits. be given to vehicles Entering a primary road, a pedestrian way, the hard approaching from the left. priority road, main road or an shoulder, or enter from an This is known as This also applies in parking asphalt road from a gravel road, Off-Road area. The Bus Rule. lots and public areas, etc. you must give way or stop to traffic approaching from both This is known as the Exit and left and right. Entering Rule. This is known as the Main Road Rule or the Priority Road Rule 1.4.4 The Turning Rule 1.4.7 The Zipper principle When turning left at a crossroads, you must give way, not only Where two roads meet like jam,etc., and is acceptable to oncoming motor vehicles, but also to any pedestrians who T-Junctions, it makes road even though a road sign may cross your path. sense to apply the zipper principle, where one car may indicate that the This is known as the turning rule. from each road moves approaching traffic ahead alternately. has the priority This situation is very common during the rush hour, at road works, in traffic 018 REGULATING THE ROADS REGULATING THE ROADS 019 1.5 Exceptions to the rules 1.6 Duty towards unprotected road users 1.5.1 Vehicles excluded from the rules 1.6.1 Respect for pedestrians and cyclists 1.6.2 Courtesy and interaction with others Traffic involves interaction with other road users. Pedestrians, cyclists, car drivers, as well as truck and bus drivers, share the same road environment. As we interact, we also have to adjust, compromise and show courtesy to other road users. So how do we interact with other persons in the normal course of life? We open doors for one another. We don’t jump the queue when waiting at the Since emergency vehicles, Slow down and pull over to Remember: Controlled pedestrian Probable causes supermarket checkout. fire engines, ambulances or the side of the road, stop crossings are defined as of pedestrian police vehicles on duty must completely if necessary. all crossings controlled by crossing accidents: We are respectful when be able to get to the scene Emergency Vehicles are a police officer or a traffic we meet as pedestrians. of an accident as quickly as Disrupting the passage of beyond the traffic-rules. light. All other types of The driver did not possible, they are entitled an emergency vehicle or crossing are deemed as notice or ignored Why do we behave to violate the traffic rules forcing your way through is To warn other road uncontrolled pedestrian the pedestrian at the differently when we by breaching a red light or prohibited. users of their presence crossings, even though side of the crossing. meet as drivers? passing an island on the and demand free a traffic signal may be wrong side, always provided You are also required to passage, emergency flashing amber. The driver’s view Would we push our way of course, that they can do give priority to: vehicles are fitted with was obstructed, to get ahead of another so safely. To warn other a rotating, flashing light. Avoid overtaking cyclists at perhaps by the door vehicle if we knew that road users of their presence Military vehicles when intersections. Keep plenty of post of his or her car. we would meet the driver and demand free passage, moving in convoy Sometimes a siren and/ space from the cyclists for later at work? emergency vehicles are or strobe lights are they often wobble. The driver was going fitted with a rotating, Official convoys used as well. too fast and had The same rules of behaviour flashing light. Sometimes a Slow down and stop if you insufficient time to should apply when we are siren and/or strobe lights are Rescue vehicle convoys, Always make way for see that a pedestrian is watch the road, as interacting with other road used as well. etc. emergency vehicles. waiting to cross the road. he/she should users as do in other social interactions. Always give way for Oncoming vehicles may Slow down and pull The driver overtook emergency vehicles. pass at a road work- over to the side of a vehicle that had site unless otherwise the road, stopping stopped to allow a instructed by a sign. completely if necessary. pedestrian to cross the road. 020 REGULATING THE ROADS REGULATING THE ROADS 021 1.7 Order of traffic precedence You may run into situations in which several types of instruction are given at once. If you do, 1.7.1 Signals given by a police officer or other traffic authority the order of precedence is as follows: Sometimes a police officer is directing the traffic. Usually, the You must also comply with police will only take over if the traffic lights are out of order or signals given by the military 1. Signal given by a 2. Traffic light 3. Traffic sign & 4. Rules of the road following an accident or a major public event. police and other persons police officer The green traffic lines No police officer, officially authorised to The green traffic light is on but the The traffic light no traffic light, Signals given by a police officer directing or checking the direct traffic. light is on but sign says Stop. is flashing and no traffic traffic take precedence over all else. the policeman is The signal-light amber, but the sign. Here the signaling for you takes precedence sign says Stop. rules of the Signals given by policemen: to stop. over the traffic The sign takes road apply, in The policeman’s sign. precedence. this case the Beckoning vehicles from the side Slow down signal takes obligation to give vehicles approaching from left If given from a police car, follow the police precedence. way to vehicles may continue. car and pull over behind it when it stops. approaching from the left. All Vehicles must stop Vehicles approaching from behind and when police man raises his hand. ahead must stop both left and right may continue. Stop If a police car behind you starts alternately flashing the Basic road rules blue and red lights mounted on its light-bar, pull over to the side of the road and stop immediately. After a while the light may change to a steady red. The order to stop may be preceded by a flash of the headlights. 022 REGULATING THE ROADS REGULATING THE ROADS 023 1.8 Give Way and Crossing rules 1.9 Giving and receiving signs and signals 1.8.1 Give way situations 1.9.1 Indicator signal An obligation to give way requires you to give clear indication You must not attempt to Sometimes If you are about to stop on a You must signal to other of your intention to give way to other vehicles by slowing pass through the crossing misunderstandings occur in main road or make 'U' turn, road users what you intend down or stopping in plenty of time. if by so doing you might traffic. Although this may be your car’s position will give to do next when you: obstruct, impede or simply due to ignorance, it's other drivers a clear signal, endanger other road users. also true that some drivers a visual clue as to what you Set off the curb or side You must give way: tend to interpret signs and intend to do next. of the road, signals in different ways. Giving a signal does not release you from the Turn off at a cross roads, At uncontrolled is known as the Exit vehicles using the Besides watching out for responsibility in the event pedestrian crossings and Entering Rule. carriageway you will other people’s signals, of an accident. In other Turn onto the road, where pedestrians enter as you make you must also interpret words, you must never let have already stepped To traffic coming the turn.This is their meaning. If a signal your attention stray or stop Change lanes or position out or are just up from the left. known as the Turning is unclear, keep alert showing consideration for yourself on the road. about to step on to Vehicles approaching rule. As instructed for other clues. other road users. the crossing. a junction or by traffic lights and All signals must be given in crossroads from the traffic signs. plenty of time, and they As you turn onto the left have priority.This must be unambiguous and road from a parking is known as the Left clearly visible. lot, a gas station, a Hand Rule. residential area, a pedestrian way, the To oncoming traffic hard shoulder or an as you prepare to Giving a signal does not release you from off-road area.This turn left and to all responsibility in the event of an accident. 024 REGULATING THE ROADS REGULATING THE ROADS 025 1.9 Giving and receiving signs and signals 1.10 Light signals 1.9.2 Horn, lights and hazard signals 1.9.3 Using the horn 1.9.4 Stoplights There are different types of light signals for different categories at night of road user. Here are a few of the more common ones. Sound signals or horn may If you intend to pass a You must not use your horn Stoplights come on Traffic lights normally apply to all vehicles. Traffic lights are only be used to avert a danger. horse and a rider in residential areas from automatically as soon set up at crossroads and junctions to increase safety and If you are driving properly and midnight to 6:00 am, except as you touch the brake. ensure the smooth flow of traffic. Even so, many accidents safely you will seldom need to Hazard lights must only be to avoid danger from a still occur at light-controlled crossings. Proceed with caution use your horn. And remember, used in the event of an moving vehicle. As you approach an even if you have a green light. the fact that sounding your emergency or accident. intersection, a good method horn will not exempt you from If you need to warn of signaling is to use the A light signal or traffic sign indicating an obligation to give responsibility in the event It is very dangerous and other road users of your brake light to make your way will nearly always apply to you if it is placed on the of a collision. strictly forbidden to use the presence at night, flash your intentions clear to other road right-hand side of the carriageway just before the crossing. hazard lights in heavy rain headlights instead. users in good time and with However, if you are in a lane reserved for vehicles that are It can be very useful to use as an excuse for high speed. sufficient distance. about to turn left, the traffic light with its green arrow filter the proper light signals before signal will often be placed to the left of the carriageway. starting to overtake, especially In a sudden traffic jam or in Now and then it may be on fast roads to clear your congested conditions you necessary to warn other Do not turn at a light just because you think the road is clear; intention to other road users. may use the hazard lights road users following you too make doubly sure that it really is clear before attempting to very briefly to inform the closely or when you have go through the crossing. Flashing your headlights/high driver behind you that they entered a sudden traffic jam/ beam have the same meaning need to brake hard. congestion, by touching the And far too many motorists, whether intentionally or as sounding the horn, no brake pedal and flashing unintentionally, go through the red light. more no less. During the towing, it might your stoplight. be acceptable to use the Do not sound your horn: hazard lights of the trailer being towed. The vehicle up Except to avert danger front must be able to use its indicators visibly. Longer than necessary 026 REGULATING THE ROADS REGULATING THE ROADS 027 1.10 Light signals 1.11 Defensive driving Know your lights in the correct order: 1. Steady red light means STOP. Driving through a red light is prohibited. 2. Steady green light means GO. 3. Steady amber light means STOP if you can do so safely. The light is about to change to red. Brake smoothly! 4. Continuous Flashing amber light serves as a warning; it does not regulate the flow of traffic. If the traffic light is flashing amber or has been switched off entirely, traffic signs take precedence. If there is no traffic sign, typical traffic rules apply. Other types of light signals: Defensive driving enables To drive defensively, you should: you to predict risks and avoid danger. Think ahead Always position Essentially, sensible safely and keep defensive driving means Be alert to what is to the correct being aware at all times of going on around you driving lane the risks involved and doing your best to Drive with active Drive at the 1. Pedestrian lights are placed at some junctions. As you turn onto another road, prevent accidents. observation, correct speed remember that the pedestrian lights may be green. If so, you must Give Way. It means showing Recognise Check your rear view 2. Controlled pedestrian crossing. Pedestrians who wish to cross the carriageway can consideration for road users traffic hazards mirror frequently activate a traffic light at a controlled pedestrian crossing. who are obviously not as familiar with the road as Keep a safe following Brake in good time 3. One flashing amber light (or two alternately flashing amber lights) spells danger you are. It means respecting distance from the and calls for extra care at busy locations or crossing points. This type of flashing unprotected road users and vehicle in front of you Check the road amber light signal is often used to draw the driver’s attention to a pedestrian showing courtesy and respect before setting off crossing or a warning sign. for all those whose skills are not up to your own. 4. Lane control signs are mounted above the lanes that are open to traffic. A red cross means that the lane is closed to traffic. Defensive driving requires practice, experience and 5. Alternately flashing red lights at a fire station, etc. mean Stop. a good deal of imagination. 028 REGULATING THE ROADS REGULATING THE ROADS 029 2.1 Basic positioning 2.1 Basic positioning 2.1.1 Right-hand traffic 2.1.2 Basic positioning 2.1.3 Basic positioning 2.1.4 Basic positioning 2.1.5 when continuing when turning right when turning left straight ahead On two way traffic roads a Wherever possible, get into Drivers intending to vehicle should be driven close the right-hand lane if you turn right should keep Drivers intending to turn left On a good wide road with Mistakes are easily made to the right side of the road. intend to continue in the their vehicles as close on two-way roads should little traffic, oncoming traffic with a general tendency direction you are traveling. to the right-hand edge keep their vehicles close to should normally present for drivers to misjudge the Keep to the right, leaving At or just before the junction of the carriageway the centre-line no problem. The narrower meeting point between plenty of space for any fast- you will have to keep to as is appropriate for the road is, the greater the their two vehicles as being moving vehicles on your left. the right, even though you traffic conditions. Before turning left, it is risk of an accident involving further away than it actually may have to negotiate essential to check the road two vehicles traveling in is. Other common mistakes Always try to position your with parked cars. Position your car and turn in both directions. When opposite directions. are to assume the meeting car so that you can handle off, keeping as far to the you turn left you must give point is at a spot halfway unexpected overtaking right as possible. This not way to all oncoming traffic. If possible and suitable, between the two vehicles. Of and sudden meetings only makes it easier for the The law clearly states that one driver on a narrow road course, this can be true only with oncoming traffic with vehicles on your left but turning left at a junction must stop and wait for the if both the vehicles happen maximum safety. also prevents drivers from is permissible only if you oncoming vehicle. Vehicles to be traveling at exactly creeping up on your right. can turn safely without having an obstacle up ahead the same speed. Overtaking and meetings with After turning off, position obstruction to the oncoming on the same side of the road oncoming vehicles always yourself as appropriate for traffic and vehicles coming must give way to vehicles involve an element of risk. your ongoing itinerary. up from behind. approaching from the If visibility is poor, as it may opposite direction. be; if your view is obscured It goes without saying that, by a hill or a bend in the road, in streets with two-way or if you are driving at night traffic with just one lane in or in fog or rain, the risk is each direction, you must greatly enhanced. keep well to the right so as to allow plenty of room for oncoming traffic. 034 INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS 035 2.2 Inside the city limits 2.2.1 Positioning where two lanes lead to the same direction – 2.2.2 One way traffic inside the city limits To avoid accidents, you must position your car correctly, which means thinking far enough ahead to avoid having to change lanes at the last moment. The one sure way to avoid a collision is to keep to your lane at all times, following its course as marked on the road, even though a straighter, simpler path may sometimes appear more suitable to you. One-way traffic means that you can drive only in one direction. To turn left from a one-way 1. Straight ahead 2. Turning right 3. Turning left street, keep as far to the left The streets are marked with the one-way traffic sign at the as possible. To continue straight To turn right, choose To turn left, choose beginning of the block and apply until the next junction. To ahead, choose the the right-hand lane the left-hand lane prevent traffic from entering in the wrong direction a No Entry lane best suited to best suited to you in best suited to you in sign is posted at an appropriate point. your onward journey plenty of time. plenty of time. in plenty of time. Avoid unnecessary Avoid unnecessary Avoid unnecessary lane changes by lane changes by lane changes by thinking ahead. thinking ahead. thinking ahead. The lane arrows The lane arrows help The lane arrows help you choose the you to choose the help you choose the correct lane. correct lane. correct lane. One-way traffic means that you can drive only in one direction. 036 INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS 037 2.2 Inside the city limits 2.3 Using your eyes and other senses 2.2.3 Roundabouts 2.3.1 Scanning technique, peripheral vision and central visual field The central visual field represents the tiny area in which the image is actually in focus. Everything else is blurred. Obviously, then, it is essential to keep shifting your gaze in order to scan every part of the road ahead. The important thing to realise is that the two fields of vision, central and peripheral, complement each other perfectly. Your peripheral vision enables you to discover things, while your central field of vision, where the objects are in focus, enables you to recognize them. It is easier to enter the When you exit from a There is a reason why road we perceive objects as Experienced drivers roundabouts than junctions in roundabout you will have to To turn right, get into users sometimes fail to being sharply in focus. It make better use of their light-traffic area. Giving priority change lanes, so it is especially the right hand lane. recognize and react to the corresponds to our direct peripheral vision and they to the vehicles inside the important to keep an eye key elements of their traffic or central field of vision. It tend to scan the road more roundabout makes the driving open for vehicles that may be To turn left, move environment. A driver’s is a curious fact that only 2 systematically than novice safer. Since all approaching coming up from the right. over into the scanning technique, or how percent of everything we see or inexperienced drivers. vehicles must give way to those left-hand lane. to read and interpret the road in in full focus. Novice or inexperienced already on the roundabout, the The lane taken before entering scenario when proceeding drivers on the other hand, risk of colliding with another the roundabout should be The illustration above along the road is crucial in Everything else in our tend to concentrate more vehicle is greatly reduced. maintained inside and while shows how the Give helping to identify the overall peripheral field of vision on stationary objects and exiting the roundabout. Way and Roundabout conditions which could end is more or less out of keep their eyes close to Roundabouts are essentially signs together signal up in an accident. focus, or blurred. Even if their own vehicle. no different from the ordinary Use the right indicator when your obligation you have perfect eyesight, crossroads except for one exiting the roundabout. to give way. Tests have shown that the sharpness or acuity of or more lanes encircling a scanning techniques vary your peripheral vision is central island. At a junction, maintain Always signal your from person to person and actually less than 0.1 on the the same lane for intention to leave tend to improve gradually acuity scale. To avoid having to stop or entering and exiting. the roundabout by with the driving experience. hesitate about where to turn off, flashing your right think well ahead. And expect hand indicator. The red spot is the only large or oversized vehicles to part of the retina where take more than one lane to turn. 038 INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS 039 2.3 Using your eyes and other senses 2.4 Lanes 2.3.2 Visual defects - visual acuity and the visual field 2.4.1 Queuing / lanes 2.4.2 Changing lanes and passing other vehicles in lanes more dangerous on fast roads. It is clear from the number of accidents caused by speeding and failure to warn other drivers when attempting a lane change. Frequent overtaking on the right and left that leads to confusion of traffic flow and disturbance to other road users is doubly dangerous. A prohibitory line separating two lanes means: Do not change lanes! If you yourself wish to change lanes, think ahead and move over well in Good visual acuity and an In a queue, traffic jam or Drivers may change lanes advance of the prohibitory unimpaired visual field, other congested conditions, only if they can do so safely lines commonly found that is to say sharp vision collisions or pile-ups and without causing any at junctions and on and an unobstructed view, frequently occur simply unnecessary hindrance to stretches of road where are fundamental to correct because the vehicles other road users. local conditions make lane decisions in complicated involved were driving too changing unsuitable. traffic situations. Your eyes fast or were too close and A driver observing that provide you with 90% of all unable to brake in time. another road user wishes to Help keep the traffic flowing the information you need to enter his or her lane should - drive in the correct lane. manage your car in traffic, By looking well ahead facilitate entrance into the so any visual defect is likely and keeping track of the lane by adjusting his or her In some cases, you may to affect your driving in one vehicles further up the road speed appropriately. pass another vehicle on way or another. you can steer clear of such the right without feeling accidents. This makes it If you see that another that you are passing on Driving in the dark is It is important to realise that much easier to adjust your road user wishes to enter the wrong side. especially tough on your poor eyesight can seriously speed to an appropriate your lane, do all you can to eyes. Some drivers become impair your driving ability. level, since the stop lights of assist him/her. The easiest shortsighted at night the cars up ahead will warn way is to leave plenty of and may need corrective you when it is time to slow space between you and the lenses; others suffer loss down and you will have more vehicle ahead. of visual acuity because chance to react if you have of a reduction in their Your eyes provide you with to stop in a hurry. Some drivers insist on sensitivity to contrast changing lanes constantly, or the eye’s ability to 90% of all the information frequently, dangerously distinguish between various and without good reason. shades of grey. you need to manage your These actions are even car in traffic 040 INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS 041 2.4 Lanes 2.5 Overtaking and crossing junctions inside the city limits 2.4.3 Things to consider 2.5.1 Pedestrian Crossing 2.5.2 Elderly and disabled pedestrians It's permissible to pass from right side in the following situations: In a congested traffic You may pass on the where the right lane is right hand side of a open; vehicle that has clearly indicated that it is about The overhead signs to turn left. above the lanes show that the lanes lead to different destinations; In off-road places where there is no sign or line is provided. Changing lanes quickly, efficiently and safely: Overtaking and crossing - Exceptions to the Many people suffer from junctions, bends and hills overtaking restrictions some form of disability. Disabilities may be visible, Adapt your speed to As you turn the The signs above the Overtaking is prohibited: You may overtake signaled or invisible. local conditions. wheel, check your lanes correspond through the right side side mirror and to the lanes marked Just before or while in following situation: Persons with invisible Check the traffic all glance quickly over on the carriageway. crossing a junction or disabilities are less easy around. Use your your shoulder again A prohibitory line intersection If a vehicle driving in to recognize, so it is often mirrors, and don’t to check for any between lanes means front of you indicates difficult for motorists to forget your car’s vehicles that may be that changing lanes At places where your that it will turn left show them the courtesy and blind spot. Check hidden in your car’s is forbidden. Lane view of the road is clearly through a consideration they are due. your side mirror! blind spot. indication signs make obstructed, such as at visual signal and Any number of common it easier for drivers the brow of a hill or at a by positioning conditions can lead to an When you got ahead Move smoothly over to select the correct bend on the road correctly on the road. invisible disability. So if you of the car close into the other lane, lane in time. see someone you know or to you, signal that accelerating gently as suspect to be challenged you wish to change you change lane. School crossing patrols help in any way, slowdown lanes and check in plenty of time and be the reaction of Plan ahead. Choose school children to cross a prepared to give way. other drivers. your route wisely. busy and crowded street 042 INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS 043 2.5 Overtaking and crossing junctions inside the city limits 2.5.3 Children and traffic 2.5.3.1 The road Children live in a world of their Remember: own and should really be kept away from roads and traffic altogether, but since this is 1. Children are small. stopping to consider not always possible, the driver They are not easy the consequences. should learn something about to see when they More often than how they behave. are playing behind a not they run rather parked car. than walk across Avoid accidents as much as possible. All vehicles must be driven at an appropriately low speed: School crossing patrols the street. help school children to 2. A child’s eyesight is cross a busy and crowded not fully developed. 4. Children are always In built-up areas view of the road is When approaching street on the way to and A young person’s at play. For children, restricted children on or by from the school. The patrols eyesight is not everything is a Where visibility is the side of the alert drivers that there are fully developed game. They live in poor owing to bad Wherever there might carriageway children on the road. until around the a world of fantasy weather or poor light be a risk of dazzle age of fifteen. A and imagination When approaching A child should be treated as child’s visual field and have little At pedestrian On encountering an animals on the a living warning sign. And the is therefore limited. understanding of the crossings or other oncoming vehicle on road ahead responsibility for ensuring that Children don’t see dangers of the road. places where a narrow road there won’t be an accident things ‘out of the pedestrians At road works is yours. After all, the person corner of their eye.’ 5. Children do not cross the road On slippery roads with the experience, with the They have specific become reasonable At the scene of ability to foresee potential vision, i.e. they tend and safe in traffic At crossroads When approaching a an accident danger, is you, not the child. to see only one thing until they are 9-12 and junctions bus, tram or school at a time. years old. transport vehicle When the road Children playing in or near At sharp bends that has stopped to surface is muddy the road may not be thinking 3. Children are 6. Children are poor set down or pick up and you might splash about the traffic. Watch out impulsive. They act judges of speed At the brow of a hill or passengers pedestrians or other for the ball. Watch out on impulse, without and distance. wherever the driver’s road users for the child 044 INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS 045 2.6 Stopping, parking and turning 2.6 Stopping, parking and turning 2.6.1 Sudden, 2.6.2 Stopping and parking abrupt stopping Stopping/Waiting and Parking: Things to remember when you leave your vehicle: What’s the difference? on the carriageway side could suddenly open just as As soon as you pull up, you are passing. you are considered to have Never stop or park where you might cause an stopped. As long as you obstruction or represent a danger to As a general rule, you remain behind the wheel with other vehicles. should stop or park on or without engine running, the right-hand side of you are considered to be Make sure the handbrake is firmly on before you the road. Stopping or waiting. And, the moment leave the car. parking on the pavement is you go out of the car after strictly prohibited. stopping, you are said to have Take the key out of the ignition and lock your car. parked your car. When you park When you park up hill, downhill, turn your turn your front wheels front wheels towards to the opposite side the curb to prevent of the curb to prevent Many accidents occur due Drivers may not simply stop the car from running the car from running to vehicles stopping abruptly or park wherever they like in forward downhill in backwards downhill without prior warning, causing a manner that represents the event of parking in the event of parking the following vehicle to collide a danger or obstructs brake failure. As an brake failure. As an with the offending vehicle. An traffic unnecessarily. extra precaution, it extra precaution, it even worse habit observed is advisable to leave is advisable to leave on the roads is when a driver A vehicle halted on or at your car in reverse your car in first gear sharply cuts across another the side of the road may gear rather than rather than in neutral. vehicle. This is quite common seriously impede the flow in neutral. among taxi drivers, when of traffic. It may obstruct they suddenly see a potential other drivers’ view of the customer waiting by the road and force other vehicles side of the road. towards or across the Many centerline; or it may simply Stopping and waiting is prohibited in the following places. And, naturally, where you cannot Never cut across other make things more difficult accidents stop or park. vehicles suddenly, whether for other people using the in order to turn or to road. The more it obstructs occur pick up a passenger. other drivers’ view of the Within 15 meters of a In an underpass On roads or road, the greater the danger due to vehicles junction/crossing or or tunnel. tracks reserved It is advisable, in addition it represents, particularly pedestrian crossing. for pedestrians to giving the correct signal, on roads where the traffic stopping On or just before or or cyclists. to press gently on your is moving fast. At any place where after a bend in the brake pedal several times abruptly you might conceal road or at the brow In restricted areas. as an added precaution Watch out for cars parked a road sign or of a hill. to alert drivers behind you by the side of the road. without traffic light. At T-junctions. and give them time to take If someone is inside the appropriate action. vehicle, one of the doors prior warning, 046 INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS 047  Once you have studied this chapter, try to answer these questions. Parking is prohibited in the following places If you are not sure about the 1 What is the action when turning to left? answer, go back and read that part again. Be aware that the questions do not cover the At places where you the side of the road. In assigned parkings whole content of the chapter. might hinder access with any of the tires to or exit from a In front of a fire touching or on the building or site. hydrant or at any marking-lines. location reserved Alongside another for handicapped/ At a bus stop. parked vehicle or any disabled persons or equipment installed at ambulances. 2 What should be your basic 3 How do you change lane 4 How do you behave when positioning on a one-way and pass other vehicles driving in a queue inside traffic with several lanes? on the road? the city limits? No Stopping/Parking signs Wherever the No A Parking Prohibited A Disabled Persons Stopping or No sign means that sign means that only Parking sign is although you may disabled persons posted, stopping stop to pick up or holding special and parking are both drop off passengers permits may park in strictly prohibited. or goods, you must the space(s) marked. do so without unnecessary delay. 5 When is it permissible to 6 What are the situations 7 What is the difference pass from the right side? where overtaking is not between parking and permissible? waiting? 2.6.3 U-turns Some junctions have at the junction. Remember normally have red light. provision allowing U-turns to to give way to all oncoming Designated U-turn sites be made. Here you will have traffic. At junctions with traffic work in the same way. Even to position the vehicle in the lights and where U-turns are here, you will have to give left lane and make the U-turn allowed, oncoming traffic will way to all oncoming traffic. 2.6.4 Changing direction by means of a U-turn or reversing If you find yourself traveling The responsibility for any Where the traffic flow is 8 What are the spots 9 What should be your 10 What are the things you in the wrong direction and mishap will be entirely yours. heavy and the speed is where parking is not basic position in two- need to remember when have to turn around, make high, do the changing of permissible? way traffic for performing leaving the car? sure you turn at a place Making a U turn is only your direction at one of the a U-turn? where other road users will permitted from the left lane designated U-turn sites be able to see you clearly. If and only if you can turn or keep going to a more you have to reverse, always safely and without causing suitable location further reverse into the minor road. unnecessary hindrance to down the road. When reversing, watch out other road users. for children. 048 INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS 049 3.1.2 Things to consider when leaving town 3.1.2.3 Speed blindness 3.1.2.1 Speed limits Major roads mean high Always adapt to local traffic speed roads. And high conditions. Driving speed must never speeds are perfectly exceed the speed at which acceptable provided nothing The maximum speed limit on the driver can maintain safe gets in the way. Remember the major roads in UAE is control of the vehicle and that hitting another vehicle 140 km/h bring it to a halt on the at 40 km/h, which is not carriageway or hard shoulder. particularly fast, is equivalent Some roads in UAE have 160 to falling onto a concrete km/h speed limit. This means that the distance floor from a height of 10 needed to slow the car to a meters for the occupants inside the city, the speed halt must be clear and free of the vehicles involved, the limit is usually 80 km/h, of any visible or anticipated impact is murderous. obstacle on the road ahead. Outside built-up areas, the Fortunately, the recipe for standard speed avoiding collisions is simple: limit is 100 km/h. anticipate, observe, adapt. 3.1.2.2 Adapting your speed Hidden danger The road As you travel down the road, Naturally, you must also you must be able to bring adapt your speed to the your vehicle to a halt well condition of the road you are It is all too easy to become Instead, what nearly always Unless you keep on checking before reaching an obstacle driving on. On gravel roads, accustomed to high speeds happens is that you have your speedometer, you on the road ahead, whether the braking distance is much and to become speed blind. lost your sense of speed. can easily find yourself real or potential. As a driver, longer than on asphalt, and After a while, the motorway traveling 20-30 km/h faster you must teach yourself to a wet asphalt road is more actually seems pleasurable. It is only when you need than you think. predict what could be hidden slippery than a dry one. to slow down quickly that behind a parked car, behind Teach yourself to ‘read’ You enjoy traveling fast. you realise what speed is One factor contributing to a hedge or round the next the road and predict where Then your exit comes up. all about. A car doing 60 speed blindness is a lack You must also adapt your bend. This ability comes danger might lurk: at bends, Turning off the motorway km/h on a dry road needs of stimuli needed for the speed to the state of the only with practice. on hills, on wet patches, and is easy and when the about 35 meters of road to driver to form an accurate traffic, the weather, visibility, many other places. speed limit sign appears stop. If you are traveling impression of his or her the weight of your load, the you wonder whether your at 120 km/h, you will need true speed. As modern condition of your vehicle, Driver limitations The vehicle speedometer is showing about 110 meters. cars handle smoothly and and, above all, your own Never allow speed to get the Performance varies greatly the correct reading. By the without excess noise even abilities. Do not base your upper hand. Stay in control from one car to the next time you’ve slowed down In other words, whenever at high speeds, we are often driving on what you think. of your car at all times. and even more so from to 60 km/h the car feels you accelerate, it is vital unaware of how fast they Base it on what you see and Many drivers overestimate motorcycle to motorcycle. practically at a standstill. to consider your can actually travel. on what you know. their own abilities and drive So, if you borrow a vehicle stopping distance. dangerously fast. This is you’re unfamiliar with, make This is something you In addition, monotonous why single-vehicle accidents sure you take things easy. will almost certainly Speed blindness is driving on straight, well- are the most common type experience at first hand and dangerous first and foremost made roads offers little in of accident on main roads it is very seldom that the in that you tend to misjudge the way of visual variation. outside built-up areas. speedometer will be wrong. your braking distance. 054 OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS 055 3.1 Outside city limits 3.1.2.4 Tunnel vision 3.1.2.5 Bends 3.1.2.6 Skidding Too much acceleration Avoid braking on a bend. can cause the wheels, This can make your particularly on rear-wheel vehicle unstable. drive vehicles, to lose their grip and skid resulting The sharper the bend, the the vehicle swinging off more drastic the effects the road. Increase the of braking and the more speed only when you have likely the vehicle is to skid. straightened the wheel as Brake before the bend, if any you leave the bend. braking is necessary. Judging the correct road Do not confuse ‘using speed as you approach the accelerator’ with bends and corners takes ‘accelerating’, which means practice and experience. The going faster. When dealing correct speed is the one that with bends ‘using the takes your vehicle around accelerator’ means using the bend under full control it just enough to drive the Tunnel vision causes the A bend can feel like a sharp with the greatest safety for vehicle around the bend. Remember visual field to ‘narrow’ with corner to a driver who you, your passengers and Drive at a safe speed while increasing speed. The faster approaches it too fast - with other road users. keeping the right amount you drive, the further ahead disastrous results. There are of load on the engine You slow down before the bent and you have to use the you fix your gaze. In other no hard and fast rules. You The speed should depend on and the right amount of accelerator so that the engine is doing just enough work to words, you see things only will have to judge the correct the type and condition of the grip on the road. drive the vehicle round the bend without going faster. in a small portion of your position and the proper road, the sharpness of the visual field and therefore and correct speed for the bend, the camber or surface Where vision is restricted, be Adjust your speed and do not go into the bend too fast. fail to observe things off the corner or bend. curve of the road, visibility prepared to meet oncoming sides. To avoid tunnel vision, and the weather conditions. vehicles, pedestrians or The correct speed at a bend will depend on a number of adapt your speed to local The secret of dealing with obstructions, such as slow- things, including how sharp it is and whether there is other conditions and keep shifting bends is to slow down When reducing speed before moving or broken-down traffic about. your gaze. Scan all parts of before the bent. Use the entering a bend, take your vehicles, without much the road ahead. When driving accelerator so that the foot off the accelerator and advance warning. Too much acceleration can cause your vehicle’s wheel at high speed, counteract engine is doing just enough reduce the vehicle speed to loose grip and skid. Increase the speed only when you tunnel vision by scanning. work to drive the vehicle to the road speed using the Look well ahead for have straightened the wheel as you leave the bend. round the bend without foot-brake progressively. changes in the camber of Keep in mind also that going faster. If necessary, change to the road, which could affect Judging the correct road speed as you approach bends tunnel vision can be caused a lower gear. your control. and corners take practice and experience. by or aggravated by stress. The correct speed at a corner or bend will depend You should reduce the Avoid braking in a bend: this can make your vehicle on a number of things, speed before you turn. unstable. The sharper the bend, the more drastic the including how sharp it is effects of braking and more likely the vehicle is to skid. and whether there is other Brake before the bend, if any braking is necessary. traffic about. Where vision is restricted be prepared to meet oncoming vehicles, pedestrians or obstructions, such as slow- moving or broken-down vehicles. 056 OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS 057 3.1 Outside city limits 3.2 Road works 3.1.2.7 Keeping your distance: The three-second rule 3.2.1 Dealing with road workers What is the correct distance to keep between you and the vehicle in front ? Road repairmen work under considerable pressure. Not only must they concentrate on their work, but they must also be on the constant lookout for oncoming traffic. So show The three-second rule is an to react and apply the brakes stop lights of the vehicles consideration for people doing a tough job, slow down in good time and keep well clear of the easy way to measure the yourself. In this time, your ahead will give you ample repair works site. distance to a car in front of vehicle will have covered 17 warning that it is time to you on highway / motorway meters if you are traveling slow down, and you will driving. As you drive, choose at 60 km/h, 22 meters at 80 have more time to react if Some ways you can reduce risks on the road: an obvious reference point km/h and 33 meters at 120 you have to bring your car to on the road-side ahead, such km/h before you react. a sudden stop. as a palm tree or a shadow Keep a sufficient distance between yourself and the vehicle ahead. from a bridge. When the Keep your distance, and Some people believe that car in front of you passes always scan the road as far they save time by driving Apply the three-second rule. that point, start to count ahead as you can! fast. However, this is a - one hundred and one... misconception and an If someone is driving too close on your tail, take your foot off the accelerator and to one hundred and two... Try to concentrate primarily unfortunate one, for it increase the safety margin. one hundred and three. If on what is happening to creates unnecessary stress you pass that point before the cars further up the and is the cause of many Be prepared for action at all times, i.e. by being extra alert whenever you think completing one hundred road, which is easier if you unnecessary accidents. things could start getting dangerous and three, you are driving are not following exactly too close. Take your foot off in the tracks of the vehicle For example, if your average Be prepared to brake, i.e. by moving your foot over to the brake pedal and being the accelerator! immediately ahead. If this is speed is 80km/h and you ready to stop in the shortest possible distance. impractical, try to scan the accelerate to 100km/h, the If the driver ahead applies traffic by looking through time you will save will be as Adjust your distance to the vehicle ahead depending on the speed of the traffic and the brake, it will normally the windows of the vehicles little as 1 minute over the the state of the road. take about a second for you further along the road. The next 10 kilometers. 058 OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS 059 3.3 Ordinary roads 3.3.1 Turning onto a major road 3.3.2 Estimating the meeting point when overtaking temporarily on the wrong side of the center line. Be aware of traffic coming towards you from the other direction, i.e. from the right; someone may decide to overtake just as you start Check the road Mirrors Check the blind spot then making your turn. (Center & Side) switch the indicator Stop and wait at the stop line until the road is free of oncoming traffic in both directions. While you are waiting to move out, a car coming up from the left with its right-hand indicators Check the road again Start over taking Back to the right when flashing, may signal its