HIGHWAY CODE- Lines, lane markings, types of lane, phones, types of road

Dual Carriageways- definition

A dual carriageway is a road which has a central reservation to separate the carriageways.

Safe Driving needs concentration

Avoid distractions like- loud music, trying to read maps, changing music, arguing with passengers, eating or drinking, smoking. You must not smoke in public transport.

Be Considerate- agitation and intimidation

Do not allow yourself to become agitated. Pull over if you need to calm down. Slow down and hold back if people wrongly get in your path, do not get closer to intimidate them

Lane discipline- moving procedure and road/traffic directions

If you need to change lane- first use your mirrors, sideways glance, signal when safe and then move over. You should follow signs and road markings and get into lane as directed. In traffic don't change when unneeded. Merging in turn is recommended at slow speed

designated vehicle lanes

Lanes may be resticted to a certain type of vehical. There will be times on the restriction. You must not drive in these lanes unless you vehical is allowed. These may include buses, taxis, private hire, bikes and heavy goods.

Reflective Road Studs- Amber

Mark the central reservation of a dual carriageway or motorway

Reflective Road Studs- Red

Mark the edge of the road

Dual Carriageways- Three Lane

On a three lane dual carriageway you may use the middle lane or the right hand lane to overtake but return to the middle and then left.

Dual Carriageways- Two Lane

On a two lane one you should stay in the left hand lane. Use the right hand lane for overtaking or turning right. After overtaking move back into the left.

Driving in Built Up Areas- Traffic Calming measures

On some roads there are humps, chicanes and narrowings to slow you down. When you approach, slow down, allow bikes to pass through maintain speed through the street, give way. do not overtake

In Slow moving Traffic you should:

Reduce the distance between you and car ahead to keep traffic flow, never get too close that you can't stop, leave enough space to move if car in front brakes or ambulance comes, not change lanes to the left to overtake, allow access to side roads, be away of bikes on both sides.

Country Roads

Take extra care- reduce speed at approaches and bends, junctions and turnings, which may be partially hidden. Be prepared for horses, pedestrians and farm vehicals.

In-vehicle Technology

There is a danger of dristraction by SAT NAV, PC, Multi media ect. Do not rely on driver assistance systems such as cruise controls.

Single Track Roads

These are only wide enough for one. The may have special passing places. Always use these before you meet another car, give way to those coming uphill if possible. If necissary reverse into a passing place . Do not park in paqssing places

Climbing and Crawler Lanes

These are provided on some hills. Use tyhis lane if you are driving a slow moving vehical or if people want to overtake from behind. Be aware of when the lane will end

Lane Dividers

These are short, broken white lines which are used on wide carriageways to divide them into lanes.

Bus Lanes

These are shown by road markings and signs. Unless otherwise indicated, you should not drive in a bus lane during its operation. You may stop or load and unload here if permitted.

Cycle Lanes

These are shown by road markings and signs. You must not drive or park in a cycle lane while in operation with a solid white line. If a broken line do not drive or park unless unavoidable. You must not park in a cycle lane whilst waiting restrictions apply

Double White lines where the line nearest to you is broken

This means you can cross the lines to overtake provided you can complete the move before meeting a solid white line on your side. White direction arrows mean get back to your side of the road.

Adapt your driving- Speed limits

do not take speed limits as a target. this is often not right or safe

General advice for driving, three rules

do not, drive dangerously, without due care and attention, without reasonable consideration for other road users

High-occupancy lanes

high occupancy vehical lanes must only be used by vehicals containing at least the minimum number of people indicated on the traffic signs. any other vehicals such as buses and motorbikes as indicated on signs after the lane ends.

Reflective Road Studs- Green/Yellow Studs

indicate temporary adjustments to lane layouts

Reflective Road Studs- Green

mark the edge of the main carriageway at lay-bys and slip roads

Reflective Road Studs- White

mark the lanes or the middle of the road

Driving- pavement, footpath, bridleways

must not drive on any of these except to gain access to property or in an emergancy.

Adapt your driving- road and traffic conditions

take these into account, be prepared for the enxepected and difficult. Be ready to adjust your speed

Areas of white diagonal stripes

these are to separate lanes of traffic or to protect traffic turning right. If the area is bordered by a broken white line do not enter unless safe. If bordered with a solid line you must not enter.

Vehicles prohibited from using roads and pavements

these include miniture motorbikes, scooters. these must not be used on roads, pavements, footpaths. Cartain models of motorbikes and quad bikes are only for off-road use. these that dont meet standards must not be used on roads, pavements ect. You must make sure it meets requirements before using here.

One Way streets

traffic must travel in the direction stated, buses and bikes may have a contraflow lane. Choose lane to turn quickly but dont change suddenly. Left hand when going left. Right hand when going right. the most appopriate when going straight ahead.

Be Considerate- Understanding and patience

try to be understanding when others cause problems, they may be inexperienced or not know the area. Be patient

A broken white line in centre of the road

When the line lengthens and the gaps shorten it means there is a hazard ahead. Do not cross it unless you can see the road is clear.

Single Carriageway

Where a single carriageway has three lanes and the road has no markings or signs do not give priority to traffic in either direction. Use the middle lane only for overtaking and turning right. Do not use the right-hand lane. When there are four or more lanes use signs and directions.

Mobile Phones distraction

You must excerisie prper control over your vehical at all times. You must not use a phone or similar when driving or supervising, except to call 999. Using hands-free is also distracting- find a place to stop

Double White lines where the line nearest to you is solid

You must not cross or straddle it unless safe. You may cross is necessary if the road is clear to pass slow moving or parked traffic.

Be Considerate- Throwing

You must not throw anything out of a car, this can endanger other people.

Driving in Built Up Areas- Residential Streets

You should drive slowly and carefully, in some areas there is a 20mph speed limit. Look out for, cars come from junctions and driveways, cars moving off, car door opening, pedestrians, children, bikes and motorbikes

Adapt your driving- junctions

be ready for road users emerging. in side roads and country lanes look out for unmarked junctions

Adapt your driving- Traffic Control systems and pedestrians

be ready to stop. Try to anticipate what people and cyclists might do. Loom at their head direction.