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Question

Difficulty: MediumJunctions and Intersections

You are following a large goods vehicle as it approaches a narrow left-hand turn at a junction. The vehicle indicates left but moves out towards the right side of the road before turning. What should you do?

  1. A
    Move into the gap on the left of the lorry to make your turn before it blocks the road
  2. B
    Flash your headlights to signal the lorry driver to complete the turn quickly
  3. Stay well back behind the lorry and give the driver room to complete the manoeuvreAnswer
  4. D
    Drive closely behind the lorry to pass through the junction before opposing traffic arrives

Answer

Stay well back behind the lorry and give the driver room to complete the manoeuvre.
Large goods vehicles need extra road space to negotiate tight turns. When turning left into a narrow road, they often swing wide to the right to avoid mounting the kerb with their rear wheels. Drivers behind must stay well back, remain visible in the lorry's mirrors, and allow sufficient space for the manoeuvre to be completed safely.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Observe the large vehicle's signals, positioning, and road layout ahead.
Recognise that the vehicle is preparing to make a tight left-hand turn requiring a wide turning arc.
Long articulated vehicles cannot turn sharply without clipping the kerb or street furniture on the near side.
2
Assess the risk of the gap created on the left-hand side.
Identify that the open space on the inside is temporary and will close as the trailer follows the cab.
Entering the space on the left exposes your vehicle to substantial blind spots and severe collision risk from the trailer cutting in.
3
Hold back at a safe distance until the junction is completely clear.
Maintain clear visibility in the driver's mirrors and ensure ample space for the turn.
UK Highway Code rules advise drivers to stay well back behind long vehicles at junctions.

Key Concept

Understanding large vehicle turning characteristics and maintaining safe following distances at junctions.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Junctions and Intersections

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