Misunderstood road rules - your opinion? (23)

Feb 25, 2013 3:26 AM CST Misunderstood road rules - your opinion?
Obscuritan
ObscuritanObscuritanMelbourne, Victoria Australia37 Threads 3 Polls 1,284 Posts
I think it was the RTA that came out with their list of commonly misunderstood road rules:

MAKING A U-TURN: When making a U-turn a driver must have a clear view of any approaching traffic; be able to make the turn without unreasonably obstructing the free movement of traffic; give way to all vehicles and pedestrians.

DRIVERS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO MAKE A U-TURN: At an intersection without traffic lights, where a ‘no U-turn’ sign is displayed; at a break in a driving strip where a ‘no U-turn’ sign is displayed; across any of the following:
* a single continuous dividing line
* a single continuous dividing line to the left of a broken line
* two parallel continuous dividing lines.

AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS: Drivers are not permitted to make a U-turn at traffic lights unless there is a U-Turn Permitted sign displayed or a green U-turn traffic light is displayed.

Never knew that one!? Is that the same in all states? Generally in Victoria, I see everyone making u-turns at the lights unless there is a "no U-turn" sign.

ENTERING A ROUNDABOUT: Drivers must slow or stop to give way to any vehicle already in the roundabout. Drivers must also continue to use their indicator if they intend to turn left, right or make a U-turn.

Virtually everyone interprets this to mean that you give way to a car coming from the right, even though they are are not yet on the roundabout. Although some nervous nellies take this to extremes and get out their binoculars to see if anyone is coming from their right, within reason, I believe this works out well because it allows you to approach the roundabout a bit faster, looking right, rather than having to check the vehicle on your left to see whether or not it entered the roundabout before you did.
Of course if people start applying the rule the way it is formulated, there could be big trouble.

Interested to hear opinions especially from the professional drivers here.
Feb 25, 2013 3:36 AM CST Misunderstood road rules - your opinion?
Obscuritan
ObscuritanObscuritanMelbourne, Victoria Australia37 Threads 3 Polls 1,284 Posts
Obscuritan: I think it was the RTA that came out with their list of commonly misunderstood road rules:

MAKING A U-TURN: When making a U-turn a driver must have a clear view of any approaching traffic; be able to make the turn without unreasonably obstructing the free movement of traffic; give way to all vehicles and pedestrians.


These were just two out about 10.
The other thing I find interesting is the line:
give way to all vehicles and pedestrians.

I often see U-turning driver take the right of way over drivers turning left out of a slip lane. I've heard many say this isn't allowed, but they all do it. Hard to explain what I mean. Will make a sketch if people don't get it.
Feb 25, 2013 3:53 AM CST Misunderstood road rules - your opinion?
wash2u
wash2uwash2uMelbourne, Victoria Australia79 Threads 1 Polls 3,768 Posts
Obscuritan: I think it was the RTA that came out with their list of commonly misunderstood road rules:

MAKING A U-TURN: When making a U-turn a driver must have a clear view of any approaching traffic; be able to make the turn without unreasonably obstructing the free movement of traffic; give way to all vehicles and pedestrians.

DRIVERS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO MAKE A U-TURN: At an intersection without traffic lights, where a ‘no U-turn’ sign is displayed; at a break in a driving strip where a ‘no U-turn’ sign is displayed; across any of the following:
* a single continuous dividing line
* a single continuous dividing line to the left of a broken line
* two parallel continuous dividing lines.

AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS: Drivers are not permitted to make a U-turn at traffic lights unless there is a U-Turn Permitted sign displayed or a green U-turn traffic light is displayed.

Never knew that one!? Is that the same in all states? Generally in Victoria, I see everyone making u-turns at the lights unless there is a "no U-turn" sign.

ENTERING A ROUNDABOUT: Drivers must slow or stop to give way to any vehicle already in the roundabout. Drivers must also continue to use their indicator if they intend to turn left, right or make a U-turn.

Virtually everyone interprets this to mean that you give way to a car coming from the right, even though they are are not yet on the roundabout. Although some nervous nellies take this to extremes and get out their binoculars to see if anyone is coming from their right, within reason, I believe this works out well because it allows you to approach the roundabout a bit faster, looking right, rather than having to check the vehicle on your left to see whether or not it entered the roundabout before you did.
Of course if people start applying the rule the way it is formulated, there could be big trouble.

Interested to hear opinions especially from the professional drivers here.


Not being a "Professional Driver" after moving to Victoria and losing my "Australian Driving License" (land of the free and we do not care for the Australian Road Rules we demanded on in 1998 and only adopted, in part, in 2012) I do have to agree in the many confusing Road Rules in different States.

Having grown up with "give way to the right" road rule and then submitting to ACT making the Give Way signage Rule like nearly every overseas country, I do appreciate this Road Rule.

The stupid Victorian Road Rule of "When making a turn into a road, vehicles must give way to pedestrians crossing a road, or about to cross a road." frustrated frustrated Since when I have been classified as a "mind reader" and know what a pesdestrian is about to do?

Since when have the roads been designed for pedestrians? Footpaths are for pedestrians. Roads are for vehicles, except when a ped decides to jump out in front of you. frustrated frustrated
Feb 25, 2013 4:34 AM CST Misunderstood road rules - your opinion?
PrOwLeR_
PrOwLeR_PrOwLeR_Mermaid BeacH, Queensland Australia98 Threads 1,290 Posts
Obscuritan: I think it was the RTA that came out with their list of commonly misunderstood road rules:

MAKING A U-TURN: When making a U-turn a driver must have a clear view of any approaching traffic; be able to make the turn without unreasonably obstructing the free movement of traffic; give way to all vehicles and pedestrians.

DRIVERS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO MAKE A U-TURN: At an intersection without traffic lights, where a ‘no U-turn’ sign is displayed; at a break in a driving strip where a ‘no U-turn’ sign is displayed; across any of the following:
* a single continuous dividing line
* a single continuous dividing line to the left of a broken line
* two parallel continuous dividing lines.

AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS: Drivers are not permitted to make a U-turn at traffic lights unless there is a U-Turn Permitted sign displayed or a green U-turn traffic light is displayed.

Never knew that one!? Is that the same in all states? Generally in Victoria, I see everyone making u-turns at the lights unless there is a "no U-turn" sign.

ENTERING A ROUNDABOUT: Drivers must slow or stop to give way to any vehicle already in the roundabout. Drivers must also continue to use their indicator if they intend to turn left, right or make a U-turn.

Virtually everyone interprets this to mean that you give way to a car coming from the right, even though they are are not yet on the roundabout. Although some nervous nellies take this to extremes and get out their binoculars to see if anyone is coming from their right, within reason, I believe this works out well because it allows you to approach the roundabout a bit faster, looking right, rather than having to check the vehicle on your left to see whether or not it entered the roundabout before you did.
Of course if people start applying the rule the way it is formulated, there could be big trouble.

Interested to hear opinions especially from the professional drivers here.



I am employed as a 'professional driver' <cough> ... I drive a 40 foot long rigid body bus ... and a majority of motorists I find have no clue about so many road rule changes and even less of an idea of how to read the flow of traffic they are in ..

I think all licencing bodies should be compelled to mail out road rule changes annually to every licensed driver, of road rule changes and what they mean ...

and another thing ... I believe Clocks should be installed at all school crossings showing the time at school times, as these days it is illegal to pick up your mobile phone to see the time ...
Feb 25, 2013 4:45 AM CST Misunderstood road rules - your opinion?
Merriweather
MerriweatherMerriweatherAdelaide, South Australia Australia51 Threads 11,403 Posts
I am not a professional driver...

I will never be a professional driver.. because driving to work and back meanz first gear stop... first gear stop .... all the way...



But I am damn good at roundabouts... I read them well, and if jo blow on my right is slow., I just make a gunner for it...grin

But I am powerful on long trips on the open road.. I can zip in and out of road trains without a hitch...

But in the morning, I put on my makeup, do my hair, cut my nails and have a coffee while driving to work... not even a falter... the traffic is sooooo slow...

blushing
Feb 25, 2013 4:52 AM CST Misunderstood road rules - your opinion?
PrOwLeR_
PrOwLeR_PrOwLeR_Mermaid BeacH, Queensland Australia98 Threads 1,290 Posts
Merriweather: I am not a professional driver...

I will never be a professional driver.. because driving to work and back meanz first gear stop... first gear stop .... all the way...
But I am damn good at roundabouts... I read them well, and if jo blow on my right is slow., I just make a gunner for it...

But I am powerful on long trips on the open road.. I can zip in and out of road trains without a hitch...

But in the morning, I put on my makeup, do my hair, cut my nails and have a coffee while driving to work... not even a falter... the traffic is sooooo slow...




cool ......
Feb 26, 2013 2:08 AM CST Misunderstood road rules - your opinion?
U turns are illegal at traffic lights in NSW, no exceptions.

Most people manage roundabouts ok in my area, they have to as they are the traffic-control system of choice - there must have been a whole lot of surplus cement around ten years or so ago.

For example, when I turn onto the main road, there are 13 roundabouts from my street to the closest railway station approximately 8kms away.

As far as pedestrians stepping out in front of my car when I turn into a street, I say bring it .. this place is getting way too crowded for my liking anyway drinking
Feb 26, 2013 2:23 AM CST Misunderstood road rules - your opinion?
mickyj63
mickyj63mickyj63adelaide, South Australia Australia101 Threads 2,362 Posts
Merriweather: I am not a professional driver...

I will never be a professional driver.. because driving to work and back meanz first gear stop... first gear stop .... all the way...
But I am damn good at roundabouts... I read them well, and if jo blow on my right is slow., I just make a gunner for it...

But I am powerful on long trips on the open road.. I can zip in and out of road trains without a hitch...

But in the morning, I put on my makeup, do my hair, cut my nails and have a coffee while driving to work... not even a falter... the traffic is sooooo slow...


lmao
What about using the indicator to go staright through a roundabout ?
Feb 26, 2013 2:34 AM CST Misunderstood road rules - your opinion?
Merriweather
MerriweatherMerriweatherAdelaide, South Australia Australia51 Threads 11,403 Posts
mickyj63: lmao
What about using the indicator to go staright through a roundabout ?



I have given up on road rules... Rafferty's rules RULE at the moment... and I just dont care... frustrated
Feb 26, 2013 2:43 AM CST Misunderstood road rules - your opinion?
Obscuritan
ObscuritanObscuritanMelbourne, Victoria Australia37 Threads 3 Polls 1,284 Posts
Merriweather: I have given up on road rules... Rafferty's rules RULE at the moment... and I just dont care...


You can't be serious, Merri? It's the rules that keep us from the expense of dented panels. But only if everyone follows them.
Feb 26, 2013 2:46 AM CST Misunderstood road rules - your opinion?
mickyj63
mickyj63mickyj63adelaide, South Australia Australia101 Threads 2,362 Posts
Obscuritan: You can't be serious, Merri? It's the rules that keep us from the expense of dented panels. But only if everyone follows them.


Merri is upset with all the road closures in Adelaide due to the Clipsal Race this weekend .
Whats made it worse the opersition has come in and said they will give everyone free public transport in peak hour during clipsal .When they get elected !!
Feb 26, 2013 2:54 AM CST Misunderstood road rules - your opinion?
mickyj63
mickyj63mickyj63adelaide, South Australia Australia101 Threads 2,362 Posts
ok so we have the tour down under in adelaide in Feb .what this means middle age men and women wear lycra and ride bikes around the streets of adelaide !!
So fast forward to now tour been over for weeks men and women still in lycra riding the streets .In hurdes of 20 or 30

So whats the road rules here single file or five abreast
Wee bit hard to pass 5 riders with cars parked on one side and on coming traffic !!
Feb 26, 2013 3:04 AM CST Misunderstood road rules - your opinion?
Obscuritan
ObscuritanObscuritanMelbourne, Victoria Australia37 Threads 3 Polls 1,284 Posts
mickyj63: ok so we have the tour down under in adelaide in Feb .what this means middle age men and women wear lycra and ride bikes around the streets of adelaide !!
So fast forward to now tour been over for weeks men and women still in lycra riding the streets .In hurdes of 20 or 30

So whats the road rules here single file or five abreast
Wee bit hard to pass 5 riders with cars parked on one side and on coming traffic !!


Yeah that would be frustrating. Tempting to knock a few of them for six!
Feb 26, 2013 5:11 AM CST Misunderstood road rules - your opinion?
Blizzard14u
Blizzard14uBlizzard14uGosnells, Western Australia Australia67 Threads 2 Polls 1,430 Posts
I am a professional driver! They pay me too drive big trucks 12 tone plus a trailer sometimes, total mass around 24 tone loaded,

WA no U turns allowed at traffic lights unless a sign saying you can is at the lights, we also have U turn signs that say cars only,

Roundabouts, are the same over here, give way to traffic on the roundabout, not stop suddenly and wait for cars to come?

The biggest problem over here is merging? Perth drivers just cant do it? People enter highways and the freeway doing 60kms when all highways are 100kms per hour? People will sit in the left hand lane even when they see a line of traffic entering a highway from the onramp? Even though there are big signs saying merging traffic ahead?

WA is said too have the worsted drivers on the road? But as I am on the road all-day I can tell you that the worst drivers are all imported!
professor cheers
Feb 26, 2013 5:29 AM CST Misunderstood road rules - your opinion?
Merriweather
MerriweatherMerriweatherAdelaide, South Australia Australia51 Threads 11,403 Posts
mickyj63: ok so we have the tour down under in adelaide in Feb .what this means middle age men and women wear lycra and ride bikes around the streets of adelaide !!
So fast forward to now tour been over for weeks men and women still in lycra riding the streets .In hurdes of 20 or 30

So whats the road rules here single file or five abreast
Wee bit hard to pass 5 riders with cars parked on one side and on coming traffic !!


Oh for Pete's sake... dont start me with this... I cannot take much more of this lunacy... very mad

I need to be tied and gagged... !!! Someone help
Feb 26, 2013 5:37 AM CST Misunderstood road rules - your opinion?
Halv0
Halv0Halv0Marcoola, Queensland Australia19 Threads 766 Posts
Obscuritan: I think it was the RTA that came out with their list of commonly misunderstood road rules:

MAKING A U-TURN: When making a U-turn a driver must have a clear view of any approaching traffic; be able to make the turn without unreasonably obstructing the free movement of traffic; give way to all vehicles and pedestrians.

DRIVERS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO MAKE A U-TURN: At an intersection without traffic lights, where a ‘no U-turn’ sign is displayed; at a break in a driving strip where a ‘no U-turn’ sign is displayed; across any of the following:
* a single continuous dividing line
* a single continuous dividing line to the left of a broken line
* two parallel continuous dividing lines.

AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS: Drivers are not permitted to make a U-turn at traffic lights unless there is a U-Turn Permitted sign displayed or a green U-turn traffic light is displayed.

Never knew that one!? Is that the same in all states? Generally in Victoria, I see everyone making u-turns at the lights unless there is a "no U-turn" sign.

ENTERING A ROUNDABOUT: Drivers must slow or stop to give way to any vehicle already in the roundabout. Drivers must also continue to use their indicator if they intend to turn left, right or make a U-turn.

Virtually everyone interprets this to mean that you give way to a car coming from the right, even though they are are not yet on the roundabout. Although some nervous nellies take this to extremes and get out their binoculars to see if anyone is coming from their right, within reason, I believe this works out well because it allows you to approach the roundabout a bit faster, looking right, rather than having to check the vehicle on your left to see whether or not it entered the roundabout before you did.
Of course if people start applying the rule the way it is formulated, there could be big trouble.

Interested to hear opinions especially from the professional drivers here.


U-turn rules are the same here in Queensland, but then who ever follows all of the rules? Governements and councils change the rules to suit themselves if they think that they can make more money out of traffic infringement fines. that is why you will see roads created in such a way as to make breaking the rules easier than following them. Just like trying to force people into using toll roads instead of the free road system that we all pay for anyway in the levies added to our car rego bills.

As for roundabouts, I was taught to give way to traffic on or approaching a roundabout. This is what I had to do to get my licence. Maybe they have changed this... but I'm not so sure of this here in Queensland. I know over in Europe, one has to give way to traffic entering a roundabout if one is already on it. How this works defies logic, but it seems to over there...
Feb 26, 2013 5:42 AM CST Misunderstood road rules - your opinion?
Merriweather
MerriweatherMerriweatherAdelaide, South Australia Australia51 Threads 11,403 Posts
Halv0: U-turn rules are the same here in Queensland, but then who ever follows all of the rules? Governements and councils change the rules to suit themselves if they think that they can make more money out of traffic infringement fines. that is why you will see roads created in such a way as to make breaking the rules easier than following them. Just like trying to force people into using toll roads instead of the free road system that we all pay for anyway in the levies added to our car rego bills.

As for roundabouts, I was taught to give way to traffic on or approaching a roundabout. This is what I had to do to get my licence. Maybe they have changed this... but I'm not so sure of this here in Queensland. I know over in Europe, one has to give way to traffic entering a roundabout if one is already on it. How this works defies logic, but it seems to over there...



Um... just to say... in Spain... the roundabouts are used by ... poor ladies... with their sun lounges..

um... and also... I saw... standing by the side of a dusty road .. lady in Red...

Yes, I know... its a poor country... sigh

But the roads are better then ours..

the ladies too I suppose... laugh
Feb 26, 2013 10:15 AM CST Misunderstood road rules - your opinion?
Godsgift
GodsgiftGodsgiftEnnis, Clare Ireland251 Threads 13 Polls 10,040 Posts
How am I meant to pay attention to road signs or signal when I'm busy with my phone in one hand and coffee in the other. Have you any idea how hard it is trying to negotiate a roundabout whilst braking with your left foot, accelerating with your right and steering with your knees. I suppose you'd expect me to use my nose to work the indicators.

sigh
Feb 26, 2013 2:28 PM CST Misunderstood road rules - your opinion?
Merriweather
MerriweatherMerriweatherAdelaide, South Australia Australia51 Threads 11,403 Posts
Godsgift: How am I meant to pay attention to road signs or signal when I'm busy with my phone in one hand and coffee in the other. Have you any idea how hard it is trying to negotiate a roundabout whilst braking with your left foot, accelerating with your right and steering with your knees. I suppose you'd expect me to use my nose to work the indicators.



Hi hun, I know, its just sooo difficult... rolling on the floor laughing

but seriously, here in Adelaide at the moment... because we are all on the road for a couple of hours to make a 15km journey, its all a bit like that..

I am just about ready to make that journey in a min... and I am already dreading it...

I saw people doing UTurns at lights, which is a no no.. and people just swapping lanes without any warning, everyone is sitting on everyone elses bums to stop it...

Oh well... not much we can do until thhis race thing ends... sigh
Feb 26, 2013 5:37 PM CST Misunderstood road rules - your opinion?
Godsgift
GodsgiftGodsgiftEnnis, Clare Ireland251 Threads 13 Polls 10,040 Posts
Merriweather: Hi hun, I know, its just sooo difficult...

but seriously, here in Adelaide at the moment... because we are all on the road for a couple of hours to make a 15km journey, its all a bit like that..

I am just about ready to make that journey in a min... and I am already dreading it...

I saw people doing UTurns at lights, which is a no no.. and people just swapping lanes without any warning, everyone is sitting on everyone elses bums to stop it...

Oh well... not much we can do until thhis race thing ends...


Jaysus. A traffic jam around here is getting stuck behind a tractor on one of our many back roads. laugh
Post Comment - Post a comment on this Forum Thread

Stats for this Thread

1,294 Views
22 Comments
by Obscuritan (37 Threads)
Created: Feb 2013
Last Viewed: just now
Last Commented: Feb 2013

Share this Thread

We use cookies to ensure that you have the best experience possible on our website. Read Our Privacy Policy Here