Hawkwell driving schools: Rayleigh and the surrounding areas
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The following sections are all
written by Alan:
essentials
new pupil's page
best driving tips
driving test secrets
independent driving
driving on snow and ice
show me tell me
technique
general
control basics
safety drills
using the mirrors
left & right turns
one way streets
junctions
give way priority
giving warnings
zebra crossings
dual carriageways
roundabouts
mini-roundabouts
country lanes
overtaking parked cars
manoeuvres
general
reversing
parallel parking
bay parking
turn in the road
emergency stop
Hawkwell Driving School
www.drivingschoolrayleigh.co.uk
Rayleigh
Thundersley
Hullbridge
© 2011
Pedestrian crossings:
Always be very careful near pedestrian crossings (especially at night) and be very sure that there is no-one near the crossing, or about to cross. Rather than just react if you see someone, try to use a positive method of approach and prove to yourself there is no-one waiting to cross before you continue.
If there are any areas that you cannot see either side of the crossing, because of parked cars, or hedges, or traffic on the other side of the road - SLOW DOWN. There may be a pedestrian about to walk out that you cannot see (photo below) !
If there is a traffic queue on the other side of the road and you are approaching a crossing you may need to stop anyway just to make sure that there isn't a child beginning to cross between the queue of cars. It's better to stop unnecessarily, than run a child over.
If there is any chance that a pedestrian near the crossing may be walking towards it - SLOW DOWN. It is better to hold up the traffic behind, than run someone over !
if you are overtaking a traffic queue on a two lane approach to a crossing be sure not to overtake the lead moving motor vehicle within the zig-zags - its illegal.
To summarise the law:
You must give way to any pedestrian that steps onto the crossing before you reach it.
Also on the approach to a pedestrian crossing, within the zig-zag area, you can overtake a cyclist but you must not overtake the lead moving motor vehicle. Or any vehicle (cyclist or otherwise) that has stopped to give way to pedestrians.
And you must not park on the zig-zags either side of the crossing.