Traffic Lights & Crossings

Traffic lights

Sequences

You should know the light sequence of the traffic lights Red, Red & Yellow, Green, Yellow, and then red. You should also know what a yellow light means.

Filter light

These lights are an extra set of lights used to control the flow of traffic

What to do when not working

When the lights are not working then there will be no priority for the traffic so extra care will be needed when dealing with this unusual situation.

Railway Crossings (HC 285 – 293 Driving 105 – 107)

When approaching a Level Crossing you should know how to tell if a train is coming because there are different types of crossings. You should also know what to do if anything goes wrong such as breaking down on the crossing or if the gates do not open after the train has passed by.

If when approaching a level crossing your vehicle hits the height safety bar or bells DO NOT PROCEED ANY FURTHER

PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS (HC 18-30 Driving 149 – 152)

TYPES:                                     

UNCONTROLLED ZEBRA   (Give way to pedestrians waiting to cross)
CONTROLLED PELICAN      (lights sequence-flashing amber and know what to do when flashing)
TOUCAN       (light sequence no flashing amber)
PUFFIN                (light sequence no flashing amber)
EQUESTRIAN               (light sequence no flashing amber)

Traffic Lights

AUTHORIZED PERSON     

You should only stop if told to by lights or authorized person. Police, Lollipop Person, and Traffic Warden.
 LADA                                    

Look, Asses, Decide, Act. Think about what could happen next and what if something happens

REMEMBER THE MSM RULE?
When do you use your mirrors at traffic lights? Stopping, changing direction and changing speed i.e. overtaking a moving vehicle.

MIRRORS                                                 

Main mirror and side mirror to check the speed and position of the traffic behind and to the side of you looking for cycles.

SIGNAL

Consider the use of brake lights, speed reduction, and arm signals. Show what you intend to do.  Arm signals are particularly useful to other road users in front of the car. (HC 103)
Take care in the timing and use of indicators so that they do not confuse or become unnecessary.

POSITION  

Normal road position. Following the road markings

SPEED & GEAR ON APPROACH

Drive at a suitable speed & gear depending on what you can see. Ease off the gas to allow for the unexpected.

LOOK                              

Remember to look for pedestrians who might be near the crossing in case they decide to cross. Keep looking all the time.

STOPPING IF NECESSARY  

The Highway Code tells drivers that they should stop if a pedestrian steps onto the road. This sound good but stop for a moment to think. At 30 mph it takes 75 ft to stop. So if you are say 50 ft away from the crossing that is 4 car lengths from the crossing you are going to run over the Pedestrian if he steps onto the crossing. Now would it not be better to slow down if you see a pedestrian near the crossing so you could stop if necessary. Try to let pedestrians cross if safe to do so. Consider the use of handbrake if waiting for any length of time. If you have stopped for a length of time use your blindspot check before moving off for safety

CARE.

Do not invite pedestrians to cross, no hand signalling eye contact is acceptable.
Zigzag markings – no overtaking or parking.
Do not stop on pedestrian crossing if queuing in traffic.
Know how to deal with different types of crossings.
Know how staggered crossing can differ from straight crossings

ROAD MARKING      (HC 191 – 199)

You should also THINK about the different types of Road Markings and Signs that you could meet when you are driving. Be aware of what the various road markings mean and what the various road signs are.