Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumRoundabouts

You are following a long articulated lorry towards a roundabout. The driver is signalling a left turn to take the first exit, but has moved towards the right-hand lane before entering. What should you do in this situation?

  1. Remain well back behind the lorry and give it room to complete the turnAnswer
  2. B
    Move into the open space on the left to pass the lorry before it turns
  3. C
    Flash your headlights to instruct the lorry driver to return to the left lane
  4. D
    Accelerate past the lorry on the right before it enters the roundabout

Answer

Remain well back behind the lorry and give it room to complete the turn
Large and long vehicles, such as articulated lorries, often need to straddle lanes or swing out towards the right before turning left to prevent their rear wheels from mounting the kerb. In accordance with Highway Code Rule 187, you should stay well back and allow the lorry sufficient room to complete its manoeuvre safely without trying to pass it.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the vehicle type and understand its turning requirements
Recognise that articulated lorries require a wide turning arc and may need to straddle multiple lanes.
The Highway Code (Rule 187) highlights that long vehicles need extra room and may not fit within standard lane boundaries.
2
Assess the hazards of undertaking or overtaking a turning lorry
Acknowledge that passing on either the nearside or offside puts your vehicle in danger from the trailer's swept path and large blind spots.
When a long vehicle turns left from an offside position, the rear wheels cut across the nearside lane, creating a severe crush hazard.
3
Adopt a safe following position
Stay behind the lorry at a safe distance until it has safely entered the roundabout and cleared the turn.
Holding back ensures you remain visible in the driver's mirrors and outside the turning vehicle's danger zone.

Key Concept

Highway Code Rule 187: Giving room to long vehicles at roundabouts
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Rate this question

Topics

Roundabouts

More questions from this topic