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Question

Difficulty: EasyJunctions and Intersections

You are waiting at a junction to turn right into a main road. A driver approaching from your right flashes their headlights. What should you do?

  1. A
    Emerge immediately, as flashing headlights signal that you have priority
  2. Wait and make your own assessment to confirm it is completely safe before emergingAnswer
  3. C
    Accelerate quickly into the turn without checking for pedestrians or cyclists
  4. D
    Focus entirely on the flashing vehicle and pull out directly ahead of it

Answer

Wait and make your own assessment to confirm it is completely safe before emerging
Under Highway Code Rules 110 and 111, flashing headlights are only intended to warn others of a vehicle's presence. Drivers must never treat a flash as an invitation or guarantee of right of way, and must remain stationary until they have independently confirmed that the junction is clear and safe.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Interpret the other vehicle's signal correctly
Recognise that under the UK Highway Code, flashing headlights only serve to alert other road users to a vehicle's presence.
Assuming a flash means an invitation to proceed is a dangerous misconception.
2
Scan the entire junction thoroughly
Check right, left, and ahead for all traffic, including pedestrians, motorcyclists, and cyclists.
A complete situational check ensures no hidden or fast-moving hazards are overlooked.
3
Decide when to emerge safely
Only turn out when the way is entirely clear and you can complete the manoeuvre without forcing anyone to alter course or speed.
Drivers are solely responsible for ensuring their own manoeuvres are executed safely.

Key Concept

Junction priority and vehicle signal interpretation under the Highway Code
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Junctions and Intersections

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