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Difficulty: Very hardRoundabouts

You are approaching a multi-lane roundabout intending to take the third exit, which is a right turn. Ahead of you, a long articulated lorry is positioned in the left-hand lane but is signalling right. Additionally, a cyclist is already on the circulatory carriageway, keeping to the outer left edge while indicating right. Which of the following is the safest and most appropriate course of action?

  1. A
    Move into the right-hand lane to overtake the lorry quickly, as it is incorrectly positioned for a right turn, ensuring you give the cyclist sufficient clearance as you pass.
  2. B
    Follow the lorry closely to maintain traffic flow, and expect the cyclist to move into the right-hand lane as they approach the third exit, gently sounding your horn if they fail to do so.
  3. C
    Position your vehicle alongside the lorry in the right-hand lane, maintain your right signal until the second exit, and then accelerate smoothly to exit ahead of both the lorry and the cyclist.
  4. Stay well back to give the lorry plenty of room for its turning circle, anticipate that the cyclist will remain on the outside edge for the duration of their turn, and check your nearside mirror and blind spot before signalling left to exit.Answer

Answer

Stay well back to give the lorry plenty of room for its turning circle, anticipate that the cyclist will remain on the outside edge for the duration of their turn, and check your nearside mirror and blind spot before signalling left to exit.
This sequence correctly synthesizes the Highway Code rules for roundabouts (Rules 186-188). Long vehicles may need to straddle lanes or use the left lane to turn right due to their length and turning arcs. Cyclists may choose to remain on the left edge for safety when turning right. The safest approach is to hold back, allow both parties plenty of space, and conduct thorough nearside checks before exiting to avoid cutting across the cyclist's path.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the positioning and signals of the long articulated lorry.
Recognize that the lorry is indicating right while in the left lane.
Large Goods Vehicles (LGVs) have a wide turning circle and often need to straddle lanes or use the left lane to prevent their rear wheels from mounting the kerb when turning right.
2
Analyze the positioning of the cyclist.
Recognize that the cyclist is indicating right while staying on the outer left edge of the roundabout.
The Highway Code (Rule 187) explicitly allows cyclists and horse riders to stay in the left-hand lane when turning right for their own safety and visibility.
3
Determine the safest driving strategy based on the hazards.
Decide to hold back and maintain a large gap.
Attempting to overtake the lorry places the vehicle in a dangerous blind spot and risks a collision as the lorry's trailer swings right. Following too closely reduces your own visibility.
4
Plan the safe exit procedure.
Prepare to check the nearside (left) mirror and blind spot, then signal left after passing the second exit.
Because the cyclist is remaining on the outer edge, a thorough nearside check is critical to ensure you do not cut across their path when you leave the roundabout.

Key Concept

Synthesizing hazard awareness with roundabout rules for large vehicles and vulnerable users.
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Topics

Roundabouts

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