Turning Left into a Multi Lane Road

deveshwar0 on 12/02/2019 - 18:12
Last edited 12/02/2019 - 18:33

Hi all

I'm just trying to understand why people don't wait until they get at least 2 lanes clear on a multi lane road before entering it to turn left.
For clarity, I believe that you should not enter a multi lane road if there is another vehicle in the second lane even if the lane that you're wanting to enter is clear.
Is this not the case?"
I blew my horn this morning at someone who did this and the guy got very offended signalling me to pull over. I ignored that and then he tried to cut me off and was being a jerk overall.
I decided to just pull over and wait 5 mins before resuming my journey to avoid road rage but it got me thinking on why he behaved in the manner. Maybe he didn't know the rule or maybe I'm not clear on it as I've encountered this many times before as well even when people are entring from a slip road.

Here's the obligatory MS Paint diagram:
https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/18071/66763/msp.png

Automotive

Comments

    • deveshwar0 on 13/02/2019 - 00:19

      Sure, I get your point but joining the traffic flow on a busy road where the speed of other vehicles is substantially lower is very different to this situation. The other car was coming out of a car park. Had a stop sign in front of them where they did stop and then entered the road making a 90 degree turn. There were no bus or cycle lanes.
      Imagine someone turning 90 degree on to a two lane freeway, would you not bat an eyelid if you were travelling on 100 and they remained in their lane? I could never trust the skills of other drivers to this extent.
      When I learned to drive, my instructor always taught to leave 2 lanes clear on a multi lane road.

  • DogGunn on 13/02/2019 - 00:05

    There is no rule regarding turning left into a multi-lane road. Instead, the actual road rules varies depending on the type of road that you're turning left from (i.e. give way sign, or stop sign, or driveway).

    For example, a stop sign:
    http://classic.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_reg/rsrr20…

    [after stopping at the stop sign]

    (3) The driver must give way to a vehicle in, entering or approaching the intersection except-
    [none of the exceptions apply in OP's circumstances]

    "give way", for a driver or pedestrian, means—

       (a)     if the driver or pedestrian is stopped—remain stationary until it is safe to proceed; or

   (b)     in any other case—slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision;

    "intersection" means the area where 2 or more roads (except any road related area) meet, and includes—

       (a)     any area of the roads where vehicles travelling on different roads might collide; and

   (b)     the place where any slip lane between the roads meets the road into which traffic on the slip lane may turn—

    but does not include any road related area;

    "approaching", for a driver, means approaching from any direction;

    "enter" an intersection or crossing, for the driver of a vehicle or a train, means enter the intersection or crossing with any part of the vehicle or train;

    Therefore, as a result, there is no requirement that both lanes be empty if the driver turning left can avoid entering the second lane occupied by OP and turn only into the first lane, otherwise, if they cannot, they must give way.

    That mean's that blaircam's post is 100% correct and is probably easier to read and understand than this post.

  • DarkOz on 13/02/2019 - 09:11

    I am not sure if the rules in NSW had changed. You are allowed to turn left into the left lane when only the left lane is clear. L plates excepted.

    I generally do this when the traffic is slow moving or when I enter the left lane at an angle already. If the traffic is free flowing I normally don't turn because there is a strong chance the bonnet will cross into the second lane.

  • Scorpex on 13/02/2019 - 09:49
    +5

    In the interests of maintaining traffic flow, it is essential that left turns into a vacant left lane are carried out even if there is traffic in the right lane. If I am the only car in the left lane of a multi lane road, and see someone waiting to turn left into the road, I'll move right to let them turn into the left lane. It's all simple as long as they turn into their own lane. Don't get me started on "lane swingers" - left and right turners into multi-lane roads who swing across several lanes as they turn.

  • Euphemistic on 13/02/2019 - 10:13
    +1

    It depends on lane width a bit. If the left lane is wide and you sit there waiting for two lanes to be free the person behind you is likely to get annoyed (that’s me). Holding up traffic unnecessarily just mucks up the flow.

    If the left lane is narrow and you are likely to encroach the second lane you need to wait and the cars behind need to be patient.

  • savage bargain on 13/02/2019 - 10:59
    +1

    For clarity, I believe that you should not enter a multi lane road if there is another vehicle in the second lane even if the lane that you're wanting to enter is clear.
    Is this not the case?"

    This is not the case.

    The Territory was in the right until he started acting like a toolbag.

    • dazzledayz on 13/02/2019 - 12:13

      "until he started acting like a toolbag"
      Which I've noticed is a rather common condition among drivers of larger Fords.

  • Ozcelt on 13/02/2019 - 12:31
    +6

    As Squishy says, your original proposition is absolutely wrong (certainly in WA!). You may always turn left into an (empty) left lane. The occupancy of the right-hand lane is irrelevant. Obviously, if a driver is unable to execute a left turn without encroaching onto the outside lane of the intersecting road - because he/she drives a truck or because he/she couldn't be bothered turning the steering wheel properly, or because the lanes are extraordinarily narrow - then the driver must wait until both lanes are clear. Just logical, if you don't want a crash.
    You do need to be alert to the possibility that the oncoming driver has already indicated to merge into the inner lane before he/she has seen you. He/she then has right of way (in my view) and you must wait for them to pass before turning.
    Where this get very frustrating and dangerous is at a full cross-roads, where you're turning immediately left and another guy on the opposite side of the junction is turning right - both drivers seeking to enter the same road in same direction. I often find the driver crossing the junction does not stay in his/her lane and "assumes" they can enter either lane. This is not the case. You must keep to your lane all the way across the junction.

    • Scorpex on 14/02/2019 - 09:11

      @Ozcelt Fully agree with your post, especially the last para - this is the "lane swinging" scenario I talked about in an earlier post. Drivers queue to turn left into a multi lane road via a slip lane while the right turners do not follow marked lines and swing across both lanes. Both streams should be able to enter the road without any issues if drivers simply stuck to their lanes when turning. Come to Adelaide to see it in acton!

      • skid on 15/02/2019 - 15:05

        I've always taken this situation as "the guy turning right has to give way to the guy turning left." What Ozcelt says does make sense but I wonder how many people know/obey this rule.

  • backpaqer on 13/02/2019 - 12:48
    +2

    Nice dashcam footage from a truck on the news last night of someone pulling out of a side road into the right lane right in front of a truck and getting cleaned up big time.

    • aussieolfaction on 14/02/2019 - 20:07

      Darwinism at work. That's only a road train, but I'm in a HATCHBACK!

  • HeWhoKnows on 13/02/2019 - 13:24
    -4

    It is my opinion that OP thinks he owns the road he drives on.
    This is only going to lead OP into a lot of trouble with other drivers as happened today,
    The other driver involved obviously took offense to OPs needless and offending blast of his horn and rightfully so.
    OP should be fined for this 100% as there was no case for sounding his horn.
    Yes the other driver went a bit overboard but this behaviour was provoked by OP.
    Hence OP is GUILTY!

    Suggest OP starts practicing "courteuos" driving in future and understands that the roads are there for everyone to use. Not just OP.

    • Numpty21 on 13/02/2019 - 16:11
      +4

      You sure like writing OP.

  • dj69 on 13/02/2019 - 15:44
    +4

    Man, I hate when people wait until 2 or more lanes are free to enter a road.
    Unless it's a sharp turn, you should have the necessary driving skills to manoeuvre your can into a single lane without encroaching into the 2 lane.

    OP, it's not illegal and, as you found out, sounding your horn creates more drama then it should. Also, if not used as a warning, it is illegal.

  • ozturtle on 13/02/2019 - 16:44
    +8

    Sounds like OP came here to try and cement their view, which by consensus seems to be unpopular.

    I turn into multi lane roads all the time with traffic in the far lane. Not doing so would cause gridlock in some areas as the traffic does not stop.

    • deveshwar0 on 13/02/2019 - 18:19
      +6

      Spot on. I wanted to know whether I was right or wrong. Seems to me that the general consensus is that I was wrong. Point taken.

  • Chris Topher on 13/02/2019 - 17:04

    ** refrains from comment regarding common sense and courtesy on the road which would be the initial "Forum Rage" antagonist. **

  • Pantagonist on 13/02/2019 - 17:19
    +3

    I would probably annoy OP immensely.

    I live near a fairly major road (dual lanes in both directions). There aren't many traffic lights so I know what a pain it can be trying to enter it. When I'm driving on it I tend to anticipate the entry points coming up and move into the lane furthest from the entry points to make it easier for people to perform the manoeuvre that OP is complaining about.

    If I'm feeling like a real badass, when I'm turning left and there's a car approaching in the left lane but the right lane is free, I turn into the right lane instead. Come at me bros.

  • bmerigan on 13/02/2019 - 17:22
    +1

    I think you overreacted to what was not an issue. The other driver did nothing wrong, besides the later road rage.

  • Lockieasy on 13/02/2019 - 17:27

    Can't believe this is a thing someone would complain about lol. I do it all the time and anticipate other people doing it so obviously you don't merge into a lane where there's a high chance that someone is about to left lane turn into.

    For driveways however it depends on the angle. If I'm driving out of the local Maccas car park the angle is too sharp for a left lane merge (also the lane ends so it's pointless anyway), but if I'm driving out of the petrol station across the road there's more space for me to turn wide and angle the car for a safe left lane merge.

  • SpotTheOzzie on 13/02/2019 - 17:41
    +1

    I thought legally both the closest lanes needed to be free..at least thats what my driving instructor told me 10 years ago :/

    • deveshwar0 on 13/02/2019 - 19:13
      +1

      That's what my understanding was as well.
      Well, I know better now.

      • Ughhh on 13/02/2019 - 19:19
        +1

        That might have been a personal tip given to you from your instructor, rather than a legal requirement.

  • hvalac on 13/02/2019 - 18:15
    +5

    OP sounds like the stupid people I honk at for not moving into an empty (profanity) lane.

  • Garrettau on 13/02/2019 - 18:36
    +1

    It’s better to wait. The front-right corner of vehicle may pass over into 2nd lane.

  • DiscoJango on 13/02/2019 - 19:10
    -4

    Wow. Just wow.

    I bet op is one of those geniuses who waits until all 4 lanes are free before pulling out onto a road

    No wonder the other guy wanted to pull over and belt you.

    • deveshwar0 on 13/02/2019 - 19:15

      Mate, what part of at least 2 clear lanes did you not understand?
      Please go back and read the first post.

  • Donaldhump on 13/02/2019 - 19:27

    I believe Incorrect,
    If inside lane is used and outside lane ur turning into is free you turn

    Car turning can not go over multiple lanes and quite possible a car using inside lane can not change lanes when an intersection is coming up but still on car to observe through the use of the other cars indicator.

    Why wait for both lanes to be free when u only need one, observant drivers will move to the inside lane to allow traffic to enter. Totally retarded

  • CalmLemons on 13/02/2019 - 19:43
    +1

    I turn left if the left lane is free otherwise all the other cars behind me would get shitty.

    There is plenty of room given your car allows for the turning circle.

    Many people do not have the skill to make the turn though.

    In melbourne there is just too much traffic and ongoing road works not to take that left turn when possible as you will seldom get both lanes free on a busy multi lane arterial road.

    Rules are to keep you safe and also to keep traffic moving.

    Have you guys been to asia? Left turn anytime with care, or was that right?

  • Herbse on 13/02/2019 - 20:53

    There's no such rule. Not in Vic and I'd be surprised if there was anywhere else. Sounds okay something a parent would say to a learner.

    If the lane closest to you is empty, and you can take the turn without crossing into the other lane, you take it. If drivers in the other lane are changing lanes, you'll see their indicators before you take off.

  • Lexan on 13/02/2019 - 22:42

    Glad you brought this up. I was gonna post it. I've seen this 2 or 3 times a day. Even cars pull out from fuel station. They should get fine for this. There could be a bad accident one day.

    • [Deactivated] on 14/02/2019 - 13:41

      Only going to be an accident if you the driver in the right lane, changes lanes suddenly or without indicating, which would be you at fault, or if they while entering, suddenly enter the right lane, in which case they would be at fault. Either way one of you has stuffed up. If you stay in your lane and use your eyes, and they stay in the left lane and use theirs, there is no way there is going to be an accident any more than there is when you drive past any other car on the road.

  • Snail on 13/02/2019 - 23:04

    It's legally permissible but I agree with OP that it shouldn't be in a lot of cases.

    I think those on the other side of the argument mainly have a view that if the car turning left doesn't step into your lane then there's nothing to worry about. From my perspective I rather eliminate this uncertainty if I can, because if the other car does make a mistake then it's near impossible to avoid a heavy accident especially if the car going straight is at speed.

    Now the counterargument is that there are many other risks to consider and this is just one of many when you voluntarily decide to go on the road. I would say that the thing that differentiates this situation is the angle that the car turning left approaches the car going straight and how close they potentially could end up being to each other shrinks the opportunity to react and avoid an accident, as compared to say if the 2 cars were traveling parallel to each other.

    Apparently there is something to this given how many learners were taught to take this exact precaution.

    I would not interpret that because there is not a law against the practice that it is reasonable or safe to do it under all circumstances. I would caution against this understanding because competing interests may be at play such as keeping traffic flow. For most drivers, in my experience, understand this and will turn left when it's relatively quiet, not when the nearest 2 lanes are completely empty, which is a reasonable outcome for me personally.

    Then there are those who turn left without regard of the situation, which makes me question their understanding and empathy of the situation and their general awareness of risks when they drive.

    • [Deactivated] on 14/02/2019 - 13:43

      Who here is turning 'without regard of the situation'? I doubt anyone is advising anyone drive 'without regard of the situation'.

      • Snail on 14/02/2019 - 18:12
        -1

        The situation I'm talking about is the relationship between the car turning left and the car going straight (I thought this was quite obvious but I'll spell it out for you). If the car turning left doesn't think about this relationship carefully then I question their ability to drive safely.

  • RyanMK on 14/02/2019 - 00:26
    +1

    Not too sure about to legalities of either, but I generally wait for all lanes to clear before turning.

    HOWEVER, I will turn left when only 1 lane is clear in peak hour traffic. On some particular junctions in peak hour traffic, you can easily be waiting 5-10 minutes if you're waiting for all lanes to be clear.

    • deveshwar0 on 14/02/2019 - 00:34

      Agree wholeheartedly. Drive to the conditions. Although, I don't wait for all lanes to clear, just the first 2.

    • minotaurian on 14/02/2019 - 09:55
      +1

      Agreed with peak hour logic. And on high speeds roads I give 1 to 2 seconds gap for the car on right lane to react before I will turn into an empty left lane and then probably accelerate hard to match traffic flow speed ASAP.

      The worse offenders are those that enter the left lane super slow as the car from the right lane arrives at 80km/h. As a driver on the right lane, I have no idea, what the person on the left lane is doing and also have zero time to react. Those above keep saying, as long as the person turning into the left lane doesn't impede or obstruct they are fine. The issue with that is that, this maneuver increases risk of accident.I would rather avoid any form of car accident.

      I think the issue is people turning onto the empty left lane at any time without taking into account what's happening in the right lane. Both lanes should be viewed as a whole, and hence apply common sense to the whole rather than the part (left lane).

  • [Deactivated] on 14/02/2019 - 00:38
    -2

    The rule is the left two lanes must be clear before you turn

    • deveshwar0 on 14/02/2019 - 01:32

      Don't know whether that's the rule or common sense.

      • [Deactivated] on 14/02/2019 - 20:03
        -1

        It sort of implies it it.

        The rules is you must give way to vehicles approaching an intersection. Since vehicles on both left lanes are potentially approaching the intersection either because you might overlap the both lanes while turning or the vehicle in the second lane might change lanes while your turning.

        Anyway, to me its common sense as well because the 2nd lane might be checking rear view and change lanes without indicating before you start turning.

  • bcarp on 14/02/2019 - 00:40

    How about this thought? If turning onto a road, you must give way if you are crossing the path of an oncoming vehicle. The left lane might be clear now, but if the driver in the middle lane decides to change lane 10m before the intersection into the empty left lane next to him/her, you are then not turning into a clear lane but into an occupied lane, putting you at fault.

  • TheBigShort on 14/02/2019 - 00:48
    -3

    Props to the other driver for giving you a scare and hopefully in the end makes you stop honking each time this happens.

  • serideth on 14/02/2019 - 06:17

    I do it when safe, traffic is already horrendous in Sydney why make it even worse especially during peak hours waiting for 2 lanes be free.

  • Domingo on 14/02/2019 - 06:51
    +1

    I'm with OP. One of the most exposed feelings I get driving on an 80 or 100km/h road in the second lane and someone pulls out like this.

    Could I do it safely myself? Probably, although I don't.

    Do I trust anyone else on the road to be skilled enough to do it and not cause am accident? Not even close. Sure, they'd be at fault but that doesn't change the fact that it'd be hugely inconvenient to be in an accident and the risk of injury.

    I was taught that every else on the road is basically incompetent and it has served me well, only 1 minor accident in 14 years, waiting at the lights when someone read ended me and as taught, I took my foot off the brake so it pushed me forward into empty space and did no damage. A defensive attitude while driving is the way to go, trust no one.

    • Wallyt99 on 14/02/2019 - 08:13
      +3

      Agree absolutely. More so because I ride a motorbike and you cannot be sure the other car has seen you.

      In slow moving high traffic situations squeezing into the left is normal.

      On fast moving roads where it would be easy to wait a minute or so for a clear gap in both lanes common sense clearly says wait.

  • backpaqer on 14/02/2019 - 07:52

    Common sense vs law… Just got to remember the law only comes into play if you actually have an accident where they then have to figure out who's paying… Or a cop spots you doing the wrong thing and they can be bothered pulling you over.

  • Pantagonist on 14/02/2019 - 09:33

    To everyone saying that it shouldn't be permissible, wouldn't a better solution be to stop people changing lanes at intersections and road entry points? You're not allowed to change lanes in the middle of an intersection with traffic lights, so it would make sense to extend that reasoning to other intersections and entry points.

    It would also have the added benefit of encouraging people to look a bit further up the road than 5m in front of them to better anticipate what's coming up and be less surprised by the actions of other drivers. There are way too many drivers that freak out and react far too late to things that happen on the road.

    I've seen it happen many times when people turn right into the right hand lane when someone is driving in the left lane and you observe the non-turning car jerk or swerve at the last minute because they think they're about to crash rather than identifying the turning driver 50m before passing them and anticipating that they might turn in.

  • minotaurian on 14/02/2019 - 09:44

    I wonder how all of this applies to a multi-lane round about. I would assume it is different to the open round. The person turning left must give way to everyone in a roundabout. Correct me if I am wrong?

    • Pantagonist on 14/02/2019 - 10:09

      Depends on the roundabout really. Broken or unbroken lines, whether the roundabout exits into one lane or multiple etc.

      Most people seem to think that it's a personal choice whether it's OK to cross unbroken lines or not. The same people tend to treat two lanes as a challenge to apex the roundabout as quickly as possible (e.g. left hand lane entering, cut across right lane and hug the roundabout curve during, left lane exiting).

      Again, common sense should dictate your behaviour when the road is marked with broken lines. 3am and no one else around, sure, apex all you want. During rush hour, perhaps stick to one lane.

      • minotaurian on 14/02/2019 - 13:05

        No wonder there are high accident rates at round abouts… The more variable involves the more chance of accidents. It just sounds like rocket science. I remember there was a roundabout in Melbourne called the round a bout of death it was somewhere near the city?

        • Pantagonist on 14/02/2019 - 13:31
          +1

          It's not that hard.

          If there's an unbroken line, don't cross it (the same rule as when you're driving straight on a road).

          If there's a broken line, don't cross it unless there's safe space to do so (the same rule as when you're driving straight on a road).

          Give way to the right.

          Follow these rules and you'll always be OK on the eyes of the law.

          No roundabout in Australia is confusing if you follow these rules. We've got nothing like the one around L'Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

  • lint on 14/02/2019 - 09:58

    People seem to do this a lot and I have to slow down for them. Or I could just hit them each time so they'd stop doing it.

  • compugrid on 14/02/2019 - 10:54
    +2

    Honking to the other driver made him scared and think he does something wrong. He could suddenly stop creating danger for a car behind him or for passengers in the car (oldies or injured or small kids), he could swing left and hit a pedestrian, a bike or a poll. And that all might happen due to your honking. If he didn't obstruct your lane you are in the wrong making noise for people living in the surrounding area and scaring the other drivers by honking, hence that driver was pissed off by your action because he kept within his (left/ first) lane. Lesson: you honk and then you might get your self in the road rage or might get stopped by cops for illegal (unnecessary) honking. Don't honk unless it prevents an accident. Don't drive if honking is the way for you to gain confidence driving.

    • S2 on 14/02/2019 - 19:34
      +1

      I think your assumptions on the other driver's perspective is fair, although it's not okay to road rage because someone honked. The person doing that needs to grow up.

      • compugrid on 18/02/2019 - 18:21

        I am not supportive of the road rage. I am for the safety of anyone on the road, including the OP who in my opinion was kinda raging or pushing the other driver with the honking

  • miicah on 14/02/2019 - 11:10
    -1

    I hate when people don't utilise the two lanes on a roundabout. This is just an extension of that.

    • minotaurian on 14/02/2019 - 13:09

      A person on the right lane already in the round a bout, I believe has right of way to utilise both lanes on exiting. Depends the round about tho and how its designed. But the amount of near misses I see where a person turning left almost hitting a car on the right lane exiting into the left lane is crazy. They need to make the law clear who is give right of way, its like buses, entering a road from picking up pedestrians, all car should be giving way, but it seems to be never the case.
      After further research I found this:
      AUSTRALIAN ROAD RULES - REG 114
      114—Giving way when entering or driving in a roundabout
      1. A driver entering a roundabout must give way to—
      (a) any vehicle in the roundabout; and
      (b) a tram that is entering or approaching the roundabout.

      • Pantagonist on 14/02/2019 - 13:39

        I've never seen a roundabout where someone in the inner (right) lane can exit without there being specific road markings indicating that it's allowed and/or an unbroken line that prevents a person entering the roundabout from going straight and cutting through the path of the exiting car.

        Do you have an example of one that you can link to on Google Maps?

        • minotaurian on 14/02/2019 - 18:34

          Soz, roundabout are confusing, and all are treated differently. I'll draw up an MS paint of the one I mean.

          • Pantagonist on 14/02/2019 - 19:07

            @minotaurian: Sure, or if it's one in your local area just put a pin down in Google Maps and link it so there's no MS Paint misinterpretation.

            • minotaurian on 14/02/2019 - 23:05

              @Pantagonist: Looking at maps, I realised the issue now. Turning right from south lane and exit on 2nd exit, it goes two lanes into one lane. Peeps going opposite direction still think it's double lane, when it really is not.
              Coordinates are -19.2536316, 146.8158881 for Google Maps

              • Ughhh on 15/02/2019 - 01:04

                @minotaurian:

                Coordinates are -19.2536316, 146.8158881 for Google Maps

                I don't get whats so confusing about that round -about… you get 3 signs on the floor prior to the roundabout, telling you which turn you can make on the left or right lane.

              • Pantagonist on 15/02/2019 - 08:03

                @minotaurian: Yep, you can see that the dividing line that indicates two lanes only starts past the turnoff.

                Also, the way the roundabout is set up it should be obvious that someone turning is exiting as the only alternative would be that they're doing a U-turn and heading back from where they've come from (which would only be the case very rarely).

        • dufflover on 14/02/2019 - 23:53

          There's one in Canberra which IMO looks like an accident waiting to happen …
          https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-35.2872422,149.1340111,123m…
          Probably hasn't yet cos there's not enough people there yet ;)

          It does show that both lanes can exit so it's marked, but I don't know any other roundabout that allows it for that basic reason that it's a mess if someone wants to turn right from the outer (left) lane.

          • Pantagonist on 15/02/2019 - 07:52

            @dufflover: I live in Canberra. That roundabout is on an 80km/h road and it's huge. If you're approaching from the west and someone is on the roundabout on the eastern side and its unclear if they're going to continue straight or turn into the northern exit, it's generally safe to proceed because it'll take that other car at least 5 seconds to reach where you're entering.

            There's also a slip road on the south side of the roundabout which means if you're heading east-west you don't even need to enter the roundabout, so you can safely assume that if someone is entering the roundabout approaching from the east then they're going to be making the north exit turn.

            As that's a major entrance point to the CBD the traffic generally tends to flow one direction in peak hours so it's fairly predictable. The rest of the time you generally never have to stop or even slow down much when you're approaching it.

  • Entropy Sky on 14/02/2019 - 12:39
    +1

    Where did you get the two lanes from?
    Even at vicroad road test, as long as you can safely enter, all you need is the closest lane to you is clear.

    Sound to me the other driver safely entered, but a jerk tried to be road police based on wrong info.

  • OzzyOzbourne on 14/02/2019 - 12:55
    +1

    What's the problem? Of course you can pull out into an empty lane, as long as you don't cross into the other lane which has traffic in it.

  • cille745 on 14/02/2019 - 13:27

    May not be legal (not expert on this stuff), but beeping that guy was the safest option as you had no guarantee which lane he was going into. Some cars and drivers also don't have the skill/turning circle to not cross the lane either, have seen this happen all the time, mainly because everyone has an obsession with taking corners at 90 degrees

  • [Deactivated] on 14/02/2019 - 13:30
    +1

    I don't really see the issue. If I was to try to abide by this '2 lanes clear' rule, I would never be allowed to leave my property during periods of high traffic. The right lane in this situation can be heavily backed up with people wanting to turn right far down the road. So by the OPs decree, I am never allowed to drive to work ever again. I shall inform my boss.

    Yes one of these cars could be shit and blind and suddenly swerve out and hit me, but people being terrible drivers and acting without looking is an issue with any manoeuvre you perform, so you shouldn't limit what you do based on the potential for terribleness, just be prepared for it. I don't drive a semi trailer, so the turning circle on my car is not an issue and I'm a bit confused about what kind of vehicles certain people posting here are driving where they think it is.

    Can't say I understand OPs concern. The only person who could have caused an accident here is the OP, and so they honked their horn at someone for nothing. Quite inconsiderate. Doesn't excuse the other drivers behaviour after the fact, of course.

    If the person entering was trying to turn left and go straight into the right lane, then I'd take issue with their driving.

    • plasmoske on 14/02/2019 - 18:50

      OP is probably the type of person who honks horn at people who does shitty merging, run the red or anything against the book.

      You're not the police and you're not in danger so why beep at them?

      The only time I beep at someone is if they're on the phone/sleeping at the green lights (normally give em a few seconds before I beep) or if someone does something dangerous affecting me (like merging into me when they don't realise I'm there).

  • rover on 14/02/2019 - 15:20
    +1

    Common sense. I've never been beeped at from behind for giving way to multiple lanes of oncoming traffic (even though I regularly drive in the city of Australia's worst drivers).

    However, there is no point beeping at somone not doing this if the lane was free and you weren't indicating to change lanes. Not suprising the OP received road rage in return for their own.

    • Pantagonist on 14/02/2019 - 15:59

      (even though I regularly drive in the city of Australia's worst drivers).

      You live in Canberra too?

      • rover on 14/02/2019 - 16:38

        Work in Canberra, thankfully live outside.

        • Pantagonist on 14/02/2019 - 17:04

          Heh, I've got to say I wasn't expecting you to say that as I assumed it was a case of everyone thinking that where they live has the worst drivers.

          But yeah, Canberra (smh).

          • rover on 15/02/2019 - 09:29

            @Pantagonist: Oh my, Canberra in certainly the worst. Best roads, worst drivers.

    • factor on 16/02/2019 - 16:59

      You won't get honked in Canberra - drivers are largely oblivious to the traffic - they won't even notice you are slowing them down!

  • mreddie on 14/02/2019 - 16:42

    Wait for 2 lanes to be clear and then enter!

    • rover on 14/02/2019 - 16:45

      That is what the OP is sugeggesting. The OP's issue is that when someone did not do this the OP road raged them.

      • mreddie on 14/02/2019 - 16:50

        Ahh yes, I should have read that part again…. got distracted by the quality of MS Paint work on show.

  • mreddie on 14/02/2019 - 16:52

    I will generally avoid beeping anyone these days unless absolutely necessary. Some scary people out there driving, and the last thing I want to do is tick angry people off. Whereas 10-15 years ago think I felt safer beeping people, not so much these days - everyone has a weapon or a dash cam…. or something.

    • netjock on 14/02/2019 - 17:30

      Anyone spit the dummy and throw the dash cam out the window at you?

      • mreddie on 15/02/2019 - 09:44

        not yet haha

  • netjock on 14/02/2019 - 17:29
    -1

    OP doesn't have address of the offending driver? Seems like everyone here as common sense but there is no way to reach the one without common sense. I don't think that person even has enough common sense to Google. Thanks for the entertainment.

    • Snail on 15/02/2019 - 01:00

      I read your comment several times but I still don't understand what the meaning of it actually is. It's ironic that you appear to mention common sense several times. Thanks for the entertainment.

      • netjock on 15/02/2019 - 14:06

        It is okay, the education system failed you. I don't blame the player, I just blame the game you're caught up in.

  • Geryatric on 14/02/2019 - 17:59

    I have a steering wheel in my car so is not a concern.

  • plasmoske on 14/02/2019 - 18:46

    If you wait until all lanes are free, in some areas, you may be waiting for hours.

    I always turn in when the lane is free and safe to do so.

    If I'm behind someone and they're waiting for the lanes to be free before turning, I won't get all shitty. Not everyone is able to do that safely.

    If I'm driving down a road on the right, and someone turns into the left, would I beep at them? Hell no. Why would you?

  • Okayy on 14/02/2019 - 19:07

    It’s not safe to do this but if anyone chooses to then it’a more of risk for all.

  • abuch47 on 14/02/2019 - 19:13

    ozbargain has some of the worst most illogical threads out there.

    its two lanes, if one lane is free you may use it. yes it is safer to wait for some sort of gap in both lane and also to match speed. The amount of people who can pull out in a massive gap but not reach anywhere near the limit before traffic catches up is insane.

    Cars also turning across traffic dont just get both lanes on the next road because they want them.

    There is no such thing as common sense you keyboard infidels. There is driving safely and efficiently with empathy for others and then there is everything else which is driving wrong.

    • S2 on 14/02/2019 - 19:44

      A couple of people had driving instructors advise them to wait for both lanes to be clear. Seems like sensible advice for learners who have taken this advice as legal requirement into adulthood, so this thread isn't that illogical.

      There is driving safely and efficiently with empathy for others

      Agreed, this seems like common sense.

    • netjock on 14/02/2019 - 23:26
      +1

      Some people here drive one car but want to be entitled to two lanes. Wonder who is making a public spectacle of themselves. Good entertainment though.

  • DiscoJango on 14/02/2019 - 20:10

    i hope op was that p plater that pulled out slowly in front of a truck going at highway speeds, and then proceeded to get rammed into the median strip. that video made my year.

    • Milk tea on 14/02/2019 - 23:15
      +1

      Me too lol lol

  • SlickMick on 14/02/2019 - 23:19
    +1

    I'm really surprised this is controversial, and not obvious.

    If I can enter the road whilst giving way to anyone approaching, I assume I'm all good. If there is somebody in the left lane, or indicating to change into left lane, or if I can't turn into left lane without swinging into 2nd lane, I need to give way.

    What if there are 3 lanes, or more? Why would there be a road rule saying another car gets to "own" all the lanes and you have to wait till there is no-one within sight? It just makes no sense to me.

    Stop honking. That IS illegal. If they don't inconvenience you, why are you harassing them?

    • netjock on 14/02/2019 - 23:27
      +1

      It seems like honking is in fashion these days. Next comes the trends in knuckle sandwiches that comes after it as desert. Right in the kisser!

    • DiscoJango on 15/02/2019 - 08:36

      Its because a majority of the drivers in this thread have no actual skills to be able to pull into a lane succesfully without ramming the car in the next lane, and will bandwagon neg this comment

  • dufflover on 14/02/2019 - 23:48

    Just from my observations most drivers do not turn sharply enough to do this for me as an approaching driver to feel like it'll be perfectly safe to basically keep going as is; most of the time the corner of the car in a better case still encroaches into the lane. I might not beep them, but I'd slow down or veer more right if possible.
    There are exceptions but they are pretty obvious ones like coming out of a wide fuel station drive way, or those 80km/h roads where the outer lane is splayed at the intersection then narrows down to normal lane size.

  • majord on 15/02/2019 - 07:43
    +2

    I agree some common sense and judgment should prevail

    I only do it if there's enough distance to allow me to boot it and gain enough speed such that the car would only be passing me relatively slowly.

    I world nt do it if a car was just about to pass in the adjacent lane - it is dangerous if they happen to be on the brink of changing into left lane, and also can be a bit startling having a car suddenly come out like that.

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