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Question

Difficulty: HardJunctions and Intersections

While travelling behind a long articulated vehicle approaching a tight side-road junction, the vehicle indicates left but swings out towards the centre of the road before turning. What is the safest course of action?

  1. Hold back well behind the vehicle and give it plenty of space to complete the manoeuvreAnswer
  2. B
    Move into the open gap on the vehicle's left side to turn left alongside it
  3. C
    Flash your headlights to instruct oncoming traffic at the junction to give way
  4. D
    Overtake quickly on the right-hand side before the vehicle begins to swing back left

Answer

Hold back well behind the vehicle and give it plenty of space to complete the manoeuvre
Long articulated vehicles need extra road space to negotiate tight turns into side roads. When turning left, the cab often swings out to the right so that the rear trailer wheels do not mount the kerb. Holding back gives the driver necessary clearance and ensures your vehicle remains visible in their exterior mirrors.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the vehicle type, signal, and lane position ahead
Identify that the articulated lorry is executing a wide turn into a narrow junction
Large goods vehicles require a wider turning radius, causing their trailers to cut across the inner lane
2
Evaluate potential hazards around the junction including blind spots and trailer swept paths
Recognise that attempting to undertake or overtake creates a severe collision risk
The driver cannot see into close nearside blind spots and the trailer body will sweep across the carriageway
3
Select the appropriate following distance and hold position
Maintain a safe gap behind the vehicle until the junction is fully cleared
Staying back ensures visibility in the driver's mirrors and allows adequate turning clearance

Key Concept

Large Vehicle Turning Clearance and Junction Positioning
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Junctions and Intersections

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