Keeping up with the Changes

A significant concern for us as older drivers is keeping up with the changing road-rules. It seems that every year or so there is a change. Given that some of us have been driving for more than 40 years, it is inevitable over that length of time that some rules have changed without us becoming fully aware of them.

The best way to deal with these changes is to take some form of refresher course such as COTA "Overdrive Program", or some refresher lessons with a driving instructor. Another useful refresher is to obtain and read the Current Road Rules guide.

We have listed below some of the rules that older drivers have reported some difficulty keeping up with. We have not attempted to list all of the road rule changes here, just the ones that are most reported as causing concern.

1. Merging Traffic or Forming One Lane

Do you know what the rules are for merging lanes of traffic? Do you realise that merging is different to forming one lane? Many people still think that the car on the left must give way to the car on the right in both cases, but that is not correct. Consider:

In this diagram, CAR B must give way to CAR A.

Form One Lane The 'Form One Lane' rule requires a driver to give way to a vehicle in another lane is that vehicle is in front of the driver's vehicle as the lanes merge. 'The driver in front has Right of Way'.

2. Roundabouts

Older people report that roundabouts are one of the most difficult features of modern motoring. It seems that three factors contribute to this:

• Knowing the rules can be an issue;
• Watching all traffic can be confusing, especially in multi-lane roundabouts; and
• Manoeuvring can be difficult on small tight roundabouts.

Let's examine the rules as they apply to a multi-lane roundabout.

Turning Left When approaching a multi-lane roundabout with the intention of turning left, approach in the left hand lane, operate the left hand indicator before entering the roundabout and continue to indicate throughout the turn. Ensure that you turn into the left lane of any dual lane road.

Continuing Straight Through When approaching a multi-lane roundabout with the intention of continuing straight ahead, you may approach in either the left or right hand lane. Operate the left hand indicator after entering the roundabout and continue to indicate throughout the roundabout. Exit in the same lane as you traverse the roundabout.

Turning Right When approaching a multi-lane roundabout with the intention of turning right, approach in the right hand lane and operate the right hand indicator before entering the roundabout. Continue to operate the indicator until you approach the exit lane and then indicate left and exit in the right hand lane.

Making a U-turn When approaching a multi-lane roundabout with the intention of continuing all the way around the roundabout (a U-Turn), approach in the right hand lane, operate the right hand indicator before entering the roundabout and continue to operate the indicator until approaching the exit lane. Then indicate left and exit in the right hand lane.

3. Slip Lanes

Drivers are often confused about who has right of way when two vehicles are turning left and right at the same intersection, especially where a slip lane is involved.

A slip lane is a lane provided to allow a vehicle to turn while allowing through traffic to continue through the intersection. They are usually small lanes provided for left hand turns. They always involve a triangular island separating them from the main lane. The triangular island can be concrete, or may just be painted onto the road surface.

If there is a slip lane at an intersection, then the vehicle turning right has the right of way. The left turning vehicle must stop in the slip lane until the way is clear.

Consider:

Turning Left with a Slip Lane Car B must give way to Car A because Car B is entering the road via a slip lane.

Turning Left with Give Way and a Slip Lane Car B must still give way to Car A because Car B is entering the road via a slip lane. The Give Way sign facing Car A does not apply to Car B, because the slip lane rule takes precedence.

Turning Left without a Slip Lane Car B has to give way to Car A. Car B must stop and give way until the way is clear.

Other Road Rules

Here is a small challenge to all readers. Obtain a copy of the Road Rules Guide and see if you are up-to-date with all road rules. Can you read the rules and confidently say that you would have known them all. We believe very few people can pass this test, regardless of their age, and if that is true, then we all should review these rules from time to time!