Open and Closed Junctions

Open and closed junctions - At and around junctions, statistics show that these particular road systems represent the most hazardous areas and it’s at junctions where the most accidents take place. Junctions pose a particular hazard to cyclists and motorcyclists.

With so many junctions varying drastically in terms of size, complexity, layout and with what the driver can see ‘visibility’, junctions are particularly challenging for novice drivers.

In fact year on year, the number one reason for driving test failures if a lack of proper observation at junctions

Most junctions aren’t particularly dangerous. Danger usually arises due to drivers not taking enough time to correctly assess the situation before emerging. This begins with the approach to the junction. Approach a junction using the MSPSL routine and approach slow enough to be able to assess if the junction is open or closed. This will allow you enough time to stop safely if you need to, or proceed without the need to stop at all.

Closed junctions are ones with buildings, bushes or brickwork

On approach it means that you cannot see what is coming towards the junction.

Bottom Picture - Junction seems empty and clear to go

Midddle Picture - As you get closer it seems to be one parked car

Top Picture - Its only at the line that you realise that its 2 parked cars and a van on the wrong side of the road.

So at a closed junction it is really important that you come to the line and look the minimum observation of Right-Left-Right then decide whether to go or not.

Probably the hardest junction to deal with are those that are on bends in the road.

With these junctions even using peep and creep doesn't help a great deal, just because of not being able to see around the bend.

These are sometimes designated as STOP junctions rather than just Give Way

Sometimes opposite there may be a form of mirror to help you see more around the corner.

If not try lowering your door window so you can hopefully at least hear any oncoming vehicle.

Junctions in your driving test

Improper observation is one of the most common reasons to fail a driving test and nothing highlights the flaws in your observational skills like approaching a junction. Be extra-careful to use your MSPSL routine and make sure that you’re looking carefully for cyclists and other road users. Here are a few tips to help you out:

Check your mirrors and start signalling good and early.

Always give way to pedestrians crossing the road.

At junctions look for any second or third vehicle before emerging as there may be someting overtaking them

Maintain a slow and steady speed.

Stop just before the white line (if present). Don’t stop too early and don’t go over the line before you’re ready.

Don’t pull out in front of another vehicle, forcing it to slow down sharply.