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+--- Thread: DRIVING IN BRISBANE: A SIX PART GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS; PART 2 (/thread-2349.html)
DRIVING IN BRISBANE: A SIX PART GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS; PART 2 - ben_in_boomba - 03-13-2008
3) Giving Way: The Giving Way section of your road rules manual may have listed points such as a driver facing a GIVE WAY or STOP sign at an intersection must give way to other vehicles approaching or entering the intersection, and you must give way to the right at unsigned cross intersections. Whilst rules like these may hold some merit in other capital cities, here in Brisbane we find them superfluous and quite restrictive. Hence, as a Brisbane driver, there is only one give way rule, or rather, one right of way rule, which you must abide by at all times. The rule is:
Large 4WD vehicles have right of way in all circumstances.
This means that unless you are also driving a large 4WD, you must give way to these vehicles at all times. This applies across the entire plethora of traffic scenarios which may occur at intersections, thoroughfares and parking facilities. The rule may seem impractical in certain situations and even somewhat discriminatory, but remember: the people who own large 4WD vehicles have better careers than you; they are wealthier than you and every second of their time is far more valuable than yours. Ultimately, their lives are significantly more important than yours which means that they are unconditionally entitled to right of way at all times whilst driving.
Ideally, as a responsible Brisbane driver, if you are travelling anywhere within 150 metres of a large 4WD, you should pull over to the side of the road and wait for the vehicle to pass. If, due to extraordinary circumstances, this is not possible, then you must at least make a demonstrable attempt to concede right of way. In all situations other than when there is large 4WD vehicle present, right of way is determined on a first one there basis. (It is suggested that you give right of way to emergency service vehicles should you see any, but only in situations where you will not be inconvenienced by doing so.)
Still a little confused? As simple as this right of way rule is to follow, there may still be times whilst driving that you are uncertain as to how you should proceed. This may occur in scenarios such as when you are approaching a busy intersection, or when you attempting to turn across oncoming traffic. To eliminate any confusion you may experience in situations like these, just remember this simple rule of thumb: If in Doubt, Just Pull Out. In practical terms, this means that if you believe there is even the slightest chance that you can perform the required manoeuvre without causing a collision for which you might be held responsible, then as a Brisbane driver, you should trust your instinct and drive on***. In the extremely unlikely event that an accident does occur as a result of your actions, the consequences will generally be negligible at worst and your insurance policy should cover any associated costs.
***
lease note: In accordance with Brisbanes right of way rule, the If in Doubt, Just Pull Out principle can only be applied in situations where a large 4WD is not present, unless you are also driving one of these vehicles, in which case you may proceed as normal.4) Reading The Signs: Wherever you happen to be driving in and around the city of Brisbane, you will notice a wide variety of traffic signs. Some of these are instructional; some are informative, while others have simply been erected for decorative purposes. We will now examine some of the more common signs you will see during your travels, and discuss how you as a Brisbane driver should interpret and respond to each one.
Speed limit signs (i.e. 60, 80, 100 etc): You may be excused for thinking that these signs indicate the actual speed at which you should be driving within a particular zone. In Brisbane however, these signs display the speed at which you should be travelling either 10km/h under or 20km/h over.
For example, as a Brisbane driver, when you see a speed limit sign that reads 60 you can choose to drive at either 50km/h or at 80km/h. In a zone which is signed as 100 you can drive at either 90km/h or at 120km/h, and so on and so forth. For many Brisbane drivers, the decision to drive at either 10km/h under or 20km/h over the signed speed is based on variables such as their age and gender, the type of vehicle they own, their individual driving style, and also their attitude towards life and death. Regardless of your personal preference, the most important thing to remember is this: Under no circumstances should you ever drive at the exact speed listed on a sign.
Give Way signs: In Brisbane, these signs are merely suggestive and do not take precedence over the right of way rule which was detailed in Part 2, Section 3, of this guide. Therefore, as a Brisbane driver, whenever you see this sign at intersections, you are only obliged to respond by proceeding at moderate speed through the intersection, followed by a tokenistic check for oncoming vehicles.
Stop signs: As a Brisbane driver you are not required to interpret this sign literally. Whenever you come across this sign at an intersection, you should respond in the following way: Slow your vehicle as you approach the intersection and check for oncoming traffic without bringing your vehicle to a complete stop. When you are satisfied that your chances of causing a collision are acceptably low, proceed through the intersection at moderate to high speed.
Keep Left Unless Overtaking: The redundant brainchild of a Department of Transport stickler who misguidedly believed his creation would somehow contribute to the smooth flow of freeway traffic; this is one of Brisbanes decorative road signs. As a Brisbane driver, you may choose to either ignore or respond to this signs directive on an If You Feel Like It basis.
Pedestrian Crossing: As a conscientious Brisbane driver you will respond to this sign by maintaining your speed through the crossing. This will deter pedestrians from stepping carelessly onto the road and thus protect them from potential harm.
Disabled Parking Only: As an able-bodied Brisbane driver, you may park in these spaces irrespective of your physical status, but only on four conditions:
i)You must be someone who is genuinely full of self-importance
ii)You must make an obvious attempt to convince other drivers that you are in a real hurry
iii)You must tell anyone who challenges you that you are only going to be parked there for a minute
iv)You must make an obvious attempt to appear sincerely apologetic when you return to your vehicle
Parking for Australia Post Vehicles Only: As a Brisbane driver, you may park in these spaces at any time. The fifty-five cents you pay for each postage stamp entitles you to do so.
This concludes Part 2 of Driving in Brisbane.