- Failure to follow the recommendations of the Highway Code causes longer delays
We Brits are often criticised for enjoying queuing, and this might explain why so many motorists in this country don’t know the correct procedure when it comes to a particular manoeuvre on a dual carriageway or motorway.
A new study has found that seven in ten UK drivers are failing to correctly follow Highway Code guidelines when joining lanes and are causing longer delays for all road users as a result.
And the main reason for this is that we, as a nation, are simply too polite.
Some 68% of UK drivers surveyed said they do not follow Highway Code guidelines for merging correctly onto a motorway or dual carriageway…
The research, carried out by car dealership network Dick Lovett, found that most UK drivers do not know how to ‘merge into a turn’ correctly when there is a closed lane ahead.
Merging is a traffic flow measure that causes cars in two or more lanes to merge into one lane, likely as a result of roadworks or emergency services on the road ahead.
Roadside signs will likely warn motorists to exit a lane that is closed ahead and merge into the adjacent lane at 100- or 200-yard intervals, probably a mile before where the lane is blocked.
However, there is much confusion about when drivers should change lanes early once they see this instruction.
A survey of 500 UK drivers found that 68 per cent leave the lane that is being closed immediately (or as soon as possible) after seeing a lane closure warning sign due to roadworks or an accident.
Their main reason for doing so is to be “polite” to other drivers.
A resounding 69 percent of respondents said this is because they think it is rude when other drivers try to push their way to the front instead of waiting in line.
What’s more, a third of drivers even said they actively try to prevent other drivers from entering the road closer to the lane closure.
Interestingly, men are more likely to do this than women (36 cents among male drivers surveyed versus 30 cents among female drivers).
However, joining the road early goes against the provisions of the Highway Code.
IAM RoadSmart says most drivers do not consult the Highway Code once they have passed their test, so are unlikely to change their approach when it comes to merging correctly.
It states that drivers “should” (meaning it’s a recommendation rather than a strict rule) wait to merge at the point where two lanes merge into one, unless there is not much traffic.
Article 134 of the Highway Code states: ‘You must follow the road signs and markings and join the lane as indicated.
‘In congested road conditions, do not change lanes unnecessarily.
‘Merging on bends is recommended, but only if it is safe and appropriate when vehicles are travelling at very low speeds, for example when approaching roadworks or a traffic incident.
‘Not recommended at high speed.’
Neil Greig, policy adviser at advanced driving think tank IAM RoadSmart, said: “Sadly, cornering merges remain a source of conflict and stress on Britain’s roads rather than part of the solution to unnecessary traffic jams and congestion.
‘Most drivers never look at the Highway Code once they have passed their test, so reminding them is unlikely to change their behaviour.
‘Road authorities could use available signs to actively tell traffic what to do and eliminate any debate.
‘You can’t argue with a sign that says ‘use both lanes’ or ‘merge now’ with a diagram.
“There’s nothing more frustrating than having an empty lane next to a congested one when a little forward thinking on the part of the driver could get more cars through the work more smoothly and quickly.”