03-27-2008, 03:01 AM
4) Roundabouts: As a Brisbane driver, there are two methods you can choose between when negotiating roundabouts; the Rabbit in the Headlights, and the Bull at a Gate. So that you can make an informed decision about which method will be most suitable for you, we have compiled a step-by step guide to the practical application of each of these methods.
The Rabbit in the Headlights :
i)Gradually decrease your speed to approximately 40 km/h when you are roughly 200 metres from the roundabout
ii)When you are within 50 metres of the roundabout, decrease your speed further until you are travelling at no more than 15 km/h
iii)Slowly ease up to the dotted give way line at the entrance to the roundabout and then bring your vehicle to a complete stop
iv)While remaining stationary, observe the location and activity of other vehicles that are already on the roundabout, as well as those that are waiting to enter the roundabout
v)When you can see no vehicles within 20 metres of any of the roundabouts entrances, apply light acceleration to enter the roundabout
vi)Before the rear wheels of your vehicle cross the give way line, apply the footbrake heavily at least once before you proceed through the roundabout
vii)At no stage while you are on the roundabout should your speed exceed 15 km/h. Only when you have exited the roundabout completely may you resume at the prescribed speed limit.
The Bull at a Gate :
i)Maintain the speed you are travelling at until you are 5 metres from the roundabout
ii)As you approach the dotted give way line decrease your speed slightly by removing your foot from the accelerator pedal
iii)Have a cursory glance at the roundabout to observe the location and activity of other vehicles that are already on the roundabout
iv)When you can see no vehicles within 2 metres of your roundabout entrance, apply heavy acceleration to enter the roundabout
v)At no stage while you are on the roundabout should your speed fall below 65 km/h
5) Mastering Merging: The Encarta dictionary provides the following definition of merging: to blend, or make two or more things blend, gradually. In regards to driving, this definition can be interpreted as referring to the process of two lanes of traffic gradually blending into one. Officially, there are two rules which govern the process of merging:
i) When lines of traffic merge, you must give way to any vehicle that is ahead of you.
ii) If your lane comes to an end, you must give way to traffic already in the lane you are moving to.
Whilst this may all sound relatively simple, years of research conducted by the RTA has found that Brisbane drivers are categorically incapable of comprehending and applying the concept of merging in a practical setting. Based on this evidence we believe that to elaborate on this topic any further would be absolutely futile. All we can suggest to you, as a Brisbane driver, in regards to merging, is that you bear in mind the aforementioned give way, or right of way rules and then put your foot down; close your eyes and hope for the best.
This concludes Part 3 of "Driving In Brisbane"
The Rabbit in the Headlights :
i)Gradually decrease your speed to approximately 40 km/h when you are roughly 200 metres from the roundabout
ii)When you are within 50 metres of the roundabout, decrease your speed further until you are travelling at no more than 15 km/h
iii)Slowly ease up to the dotted give way line at the entrance to the roundabout and then bring your vehicle to a complete stop
iv)While remaining stationary, observe the location and activity of other vehicles that are already on the roundabout, as well as those that are waiting to enter the roundabout
v)When you can see no vehicles within 20 metres of any of the roundabouts entrances, apply light acceleration to enter the roundabout
vi)Before the rear wheels of your vehicle cross the give way line, apply the footbrake heavily at least once before you proceed through the roundabout
vii)At no stage while you are on the roundabout should your speed exceed 15 km/h. Only when you have exited the roundabout completely may you resume at the prescribed speed limit.
The Bull at a Gate :
i)Maintain the speed you are travelling at until you are 5 metres from the roundabout
ii)As you approach the dotted give way line decrease your speed slightly by removing your foot from the accelerator pedal
iii)Have a cursory glance at the roundabout to observe the location and activity of other vehicles that are already on the roundabout
iv)When you can see no vehicles within 2 metres of your roundabout entrance, apply heavy acceleration to enter the roundabout
v)At no stage while you are on the roundabout should your speed fall below 65 km/h
5) Mastering Merging: The Encarta dictionary provides the following definition of merging: to blend, or make two or more things blend, gradually. In regards to driving, this definition can be interpreted as referring to the process of two lanes of traffic gradually blending into one. Officially, there are two rules which govern the process of merging:
i) When lines of traffic merge, you must give way to any vehicle that is ahead of you.
ii) If your lane comes to an end, you must give way to traffic already in the lane you are moving to.
Whilst this may all sound relatively simple, years of research conducted by the RTA has found that Brisbane drivers are categorically incapable of comprehending and applying the concept of merging in a practical setting. Based on this evidence we believe that to elaborate on this topic any further would be absolutely futile. All we can suggest to you, as a Brisbane driver, in regards to merging, is that you bear in mind the aforementioned give way, or right of way rules and then put your foot down; close your eyes and hope for the best.
This concludes Part 3 of "Driving In Brisbane"