Unmarked crossroads

The accepted rule for unmarked junctions is fairly straightforward; no one has priority, however, this rule is not strictly correct.

At many junctions the priority is very clear! The volume of traffic, width of the road, actions of other road users, etc., allow you to see at a glance whether you are on the 'through road'. But although priority is often clear to see, the best training approach to take is 'never assume priority'.

You can explain that while it might be fairly obvious to you that the road you are on has priority it might not be quite so obvious to other drivers (and of course you might have got it wrong!).

With these ideas in mind you should teach your customers to approach unmarked junctions with caution, but be prepared to take opportunities to proceed.

Note: Make sure that you are very clear about explaining rules for priority - priority does not equal 'right of way'. No one has 'right of way' on UK roads, 'right of way' is a legal term relating to property and access rights that is often misused to describe priority. Most roads have a public right of way, this means that the public can travel on them, but being allowed to traverse a route does not mean that you will always have priority on the route. The use of the term 'right of way' can lead to inappropriate attitudes by some drivers. The safest 'rule' to follow is that priority can only be given, not taken.

Drivers can be prosecuted for offences following an accident (or even without an accident) if they are shown to have acted without due care, for example, if they have 'forced' their priority over others.

Next: Crossroads recap