Typical crossroads issues




The information below relates to basic errors and their correction and assume that the errors are caused directly by the actions of the learner. However, you must always be certain that you are not contributing to the error by late or unclear instruction or direction or by not offering sufficient information or feedback.

Our suggested issues do not form an exhaustive list, however, if you can spot and sort out these problems you should be well on your way to delivering an effective crossroads lesson. Remember that ideally the only thing you are watching for is a perfect drive... Anything else is a problem!

Most of these issues are common to all junctions.


Not adopting the MSM routine on approach

There are really only two reasons for this:

  1. Insufficient instruction/prompting if required.
    Make sure that you give an appropriate level of help and support and plan the task demands of the route in such a way that the learners has sufficient 'thinking time' without distraction until the routine becomes habitual.

  2. Lack of understanding.
    Ask questions to ensure that your learners understand why it is important to start the MSM routine with the mirrors.

Important: If problems with the MSM routing persist it's likely that you are either moving through the syllabus too quickly or are choosing routes that are too complex for the learner's current ability. This also applies to most of the issues listed below.


Approaching too fast or slow

There are several reasons why the driver might be going too fast. Perhaps the most common reason is that he/she is unable to judge an appropriate speed.

Start by checking your learner's understanding - does he/she know how fast to approach? Fix any gaps in knowledge.

Next, assuming that your chosen route is appropriate, repeat the junction with a level of assistance agreed with the learner. If the route is not appropriate or if the fix doesn't work, move to a less demanding situation.

Explain that when approaching too fast there is not enough time to make proper observation - this means that safe and appropriate opportunities to proceed might be missed or that the 'third' road will be neglected - leading to potentially dangerous emerging or turning.


Changing down too early or late

As with speed on approach this is more than likely due to 'overload'. The most common cause being insufficient assistance or an inappropriate route.

Check for understanding and then agree a level of help (if needed) to prevent the problem occurring again for a least two junctions before handing full responsibility back to the learner.


Coasting

Coasting is most likely to happen on major-to-minor turns, and predominantly on left turns.

You should be able to spot coasting quite easily by the sound and feel of the car. If you don't instantly recognise coasting, go out in your car and practise. Practise coasting that is! Get used to what the car feels like in different situations and at different speeds with the clutch pressed down.

The fix is to ensure that your learner understands the importance of keeping the clutch pedal up followed by an agreed level of help preventing the fault from reoccurring at the next couple of junctions before transferring full responsibility.


Late observation at open crossroads

As with T-junctions ensure that observation is taken early enough to take opportunities to proceed. Remembering that there are three roads to check!


Emerging into the path of other vehicles at a slow speed

This is either a judgment or an observation problem.

Make sure that your learner is actively looking to the right and left, not just going through the motions. Discuss the approaching traffic and how much time is available.

If it's a judgment problem it might help if you take control by making the 'decision to proceed' at two or three junctions and instructing your learner accordingly. Make sure that any course of action is agreed beforehand and that the learner knows exactly what to expect.


Incorrect position before turning

Taking up a position too far away from or too close to centre lines / Positioning too close or too far away from the left kerb. If this happens, pull up for a moment and demonstrate (using your Visual Teaching System) the relationship between road width and road positioning when turning right.


Crossing the path of oncoming traffic without due care

Make sure that your learner understands how much time it takes to safely pass in front of other vehicles. Recap the 'walk across' rule and emphasise the need to be aware of approaching traffic when emerging at crossroads.

If this is a persistent problem when turning right from main roads to side roads it would be wise to fix it on right turn approaches away from crossroads - returning to add the extra dimension of the third road at crossroads after the problem has been fixed.


Other errors:

  • Ignoring pedestrians when entering or emerging other roads

  • Cutting right hand corners

  • Driving through traffic lights or marked crossroads without taking appropriate observation

  • Assuming priority at unmarked/uncontrolled crossroads

  • Failing to emerge promptly when safe to do so

  • Giving priority to other vehicles when it is safe to proceed

  • Waiting behind stop line at green traffic lights when intending to turn right

  • Entering or failing to enter a box-junction in accordance with regulations

Next: Questions & Reflection...

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