



How to stay safe at junctions
At every junction, use the OSM/PSL!
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Take effective observations. Use your mirrors and look round to make sure you know what’s happening behind and around you.
Clearly and in good time
Manoeuvre any change of direction or speed
If the road has no lane markings:
- When turning left, keep to the left
- When turning right, move to the centre of the road as is safe without crossing the central white line. On a one-way street, move to the right-hand side of the road in good time.
If the road has lane markings:
- use the correct lane for the direction you intend to take
- move into the lane as soon as you can
Adjust your speed as necessary
For other vehicles when you reach a point where you can see.
When approaching junctions look for vehicles waiting to pull from the left or right. Don’t forget the vehicles wanting to turn right across your path. Ask yourself’ ‘have they seen me?’ Be prepared to slow down or stop. Don’t be afraid to sound your horn if you think a driver hasn’t seen you – that’s what it’s for.
Avoid conflict – it’s always you, the rider, who will come off second-best.
When you want to turn off, take up your road position in good time so that others can see what you’re going to do. Always remember your ‘Lifesaver’ glance over your shoulder before making a move – you need to know where others are and what they are doing.
The lifesaver is a last check over your shoulder into the blind spot the area not covered by your mirrors before you commit to a manoeuvre. If you are turning check the blind spot on the side you intend to turn.
More useful information!
Overtaking
When overtaking, stay well back from the vehicle in front to get a better view of the road ahead. Only go if the road is clear and you are confident that you can get past without losing control or speeding.
Never overtake approaching a junction!
Filtering
When traffic is slow moving or queuing, it’s tempting to pass several vehicles at once.
This is filtering. Beware!
Many car drivers may be unaware of your presence or what you are doing. It is advised that you should not be doing more than 10 mph faster than the vehicles you are passing. Best case scenario is that they are stationary or travelling very slowly and you are only going slightly faster. You have got to watch out for drivers suddenly changing lane or ‘U’ turning without warning. Give yourself as much time and space to react as you can. Try not to be between two vehicles at the same time, keeping an escape space at one side or the other, if possible.
Remember: be courteous to other road users
Of course, a big danger is another motorcycle filtering towards you.
Consider, if something should go wrong, ‘Am I in the correct position on the road?’ If you are not, move!
Never filter approaching a junction!