One-Way Streets

one- way street is a street either facilitating only one- way traffic, or designed to direct vehicle to move in one direction. On one- way streets traffic must travel in the direction indicated by road signs if they exist. In identifying a one- way street, you should look out for signs telling you that you are joining a one- way street. On approach to one- way street, get into position in good time and once in the oneway street, position your vehicle according to whether you intend to turn right, turn left or go ahead. In the one- way street, unless road signs and markings dictate otherwise, drivers need to choose the best road position for their intended destination. When intending to turn right, keep to the right- hand lane, provided there are no obstructions or parked vehicles on the right- hand side of the road; to turn left, move to the left- hand lane in good time; and to follow the road ahead select the most appropriate or convenient lane. Always be on the look- out for signs and markings showing the best lane for your destination and move into that lane as soon as possible after entering the one- way street. In one- way streets, get into the correct lane as soon as possible and maintain that lane. You should watch out for drivers who may change lane abruptly. Traffic in one- way street tends to flow freely and as is legal for vehicles to overtake or pass on either the right or the left on a one- way street, you should take particular care when changing lanes; you must make the fullest use of your mirrors ( effective use of the hazard routine) well before changing lane. If you mistakenly drive into a one- way street, you must continue to the end of the road, and should not turn round or reverse out of it. When emerging from a one-way street and you are in the left- hand lane, you must be particularly careful to look out for pedestrians; they may step off the kerb looking in the wrong direction and thinking that the road is clear. Driving against traffic in a oneway street or on dual carriageways are fraught with dangers which could lead to road crashes, as drivers on such roads might not be expecting oncoming traffic from the opposite direction. In next week’s article we shall be discussing one meeting traffic and adequate clearance using the MSPSL or hazard routine. For further explanations or clarification on the articles in the Essential Skills of Driving column, consult the author.