Chapter 5 - Special Road Sections

Question 1

General things to remeber about a traditional roundabout?

Answer 1

1. Roundabout is a one-way road
2. Always stay right when driving around the central reserve
3. Usually be a sign with roundabout (D1) or a red-white fence or a bent sign with arrows pointing to the right
4. Roads leading to the roundabout often have the warning sign J9

Question 2

Is left and right overtaking allowd on a roundabout?

Answer 2

Yes yoy may overtake both left and right on a roundabout

Question 3

On large roundabouts, how do you know which roundabout to take?

Answer 3

On large roundabouts arrows are painted on the lanes –> these tell you how to change lanes

Question 4

Who has priority on a roundabout?

Answer 4

On nearly all roundabouts –> traffic signs tell you who has right of way

But… the general rule is that all traffic on the roundabout has right of way –> this applies to vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians.

Note - sometimes on large roundabouts there are traffic signs –> these take precedence over priority signs and markings on the road surface.

Question 5

On the follow attached image, in the positions A, B and C for each situation what should each car indicate

Answer 5

A) indicate to turn left

B) Indicate to turn right

C) Indicator Off

Question 6

General Rule if you want to leave the roundabout at the first exit?

Answer 6

The general rule is that you want to leave the roundabout at the first exit you should appraoch in the right hand lane leading to the roundabout and use the right indicator

Question 7

What do the shark teeth on the road surface tell you?

Answer 7

The shark teeth markings are there to remind you that the traffic o the roundabout has the right of way.

Question 8

General rules if you want to leave the roundabout at the intermediate exit?

Answer 8

If you want to leave the roundabout at the second exit (drive straight on) –> you should normally drive in the centre lane in the approach to the roadabout

However…

If the road only has two lanes –> stay in the right lane

Question 9

General rule if you want to leave the roundabout at the last exit?

Answer 9

If you wish to leave the roundabout at the third exit…

1. you must signal left on the approach to the roundabout and also drive on the left
2. Switch off your indicator on the roundabout
3. As soon as you have passed the second exit –> use the right indicator

Question 10

Importance of using mirrors on roundabouts?

Answer 10

Crucial –> know where you are going while paying attention to our drivers and cyclists/moped riders.

When you change lanes –> use your mirrors well and also look over you shoulder to see if a vehicle has suddenly turned up beside you

Question 11

Differences between small and large roundabouts?

Answer 11

Smaller roundabouts more common these days –> safer

1. Same rules apply/same traffic signs
2. General rule –> people on the roundabout have the right of way.
3. Dirver slower as the roundabout is tight
4. Watch out for cyclists, moped drivers and pedestrians –> must give way –> note some roundabouts will give the driver priority (busy roundabouts) –> this would be indicated
5. For any exit –> you must indicate to the right in time
6. To indicate that your taking the 3/4 exit –> you must indicate to the left in time

Question 12

What are turbo roundabouts? How do they avoid traffic constantly change lanes?

Answer 12

Small roundabouts with two lanes –> usually found in roundabouts with two lanes –> Same rules apply

To avoid traffic constantly changing lanes the direction of traffic and choice of lane is controlled before the roundabout

Note - sometimes there are concrete edges so you must know which lane to take in advance + must still signal

Question 13

Where can one find lowered kerbs? What do they indicate?

Answer 13

Entrances and exists are often rcognisable by the lowered pavement/kerb –> must be crossed when entering or exiting the adjoining crossing road.

When you drive into/out out of these entrances and exits you must give right of way to all road users (including pedestrians)

Question 14

What should you remember when driving into an entrance on the left or right of road?

Answer 14

Vehicles behind you may not be prepared for the right/left turn…

1. Indicate the direction in time
2. Reduce your speed

Note - when you turn left you may take up a position just right of the middle of the road in order to take the turn.

Question 15

What is a predestrian priority area? How quick can you drive?

Answer 15

Pedestrian priority area is a special road section shown by the signs attached.

Public road but special rules apply

Max 15km/h –> must drive at foot pace

You can tell by the lowered pavement and adjoining road that you are leaving the area –> must give way when you do so.

Question 16

Are you allowed to park in a pedestrian priority area?

Answer 16

No you are not allowed to park in a pedestrian priority area unless its on your own premises or there is a special section of the road indentified by the P on the road or sign.

Question 17

What is the 30-Km zone? How should you drive in it?

Answer 17

Area with many pedestrians, cyclists and children

30 km zone is designed for drivers to drive defensively and to respect the maximum speed limit of 30km

Question 18

Main rule of pedestrian crossing (zebra crossing)?

Answer 18

You must give way to pedestrians (everyone) that are crossing or about to cross the zebra crossing.

If you realise that you need to stop –> reduce speed and brake gently. This avoids head-tail collisions, not startle pedestrians and this also encourages traffic behind to stop in time.

Question 19

Are you allowed to stop on the zebra crossing?

Answer 19

No, keep the zebra crossing clear

Question 20

Are you allowed to overtake vehicles that are close or on the zerba closing?

Answer 20

No!

When overtaking in this isutation, it would be more difficult for you to see any pedestrians, visa versa –> high risk of an accident.

Question 21

Within a built up area do you need to give way to a bus that is about to pull way?

Answer 21

Yes!

All buses including coaches are allowed to us this right of way

Note - even when approachin from the front you might need to give way so that they have enough space.

Question 22

Outside a built up area do you need to give way to a bus that is about to pull way?

Answer 22

No, no need to do so.

Question 23

What should you remember when driving past a bus at a bus stop?

Answer 23

If a bus does not indicate it is about to pull away, always drive past with adjusted speed and keep enough distance between yourself and the bus –> not to endanger passengers who are about to board or have alighted.

Question 24

Risks that may present itself when a bus is standing at a bus stop?

Answer 24

1. Passengers who get off may suddenly cross the road infront or behind the bus
2. People may cross the road in a hurry to catch another bus
3. The bus may drive off immediately as soon as the driver indicates direction

Question 25

How to approach a tram stop?

Answer 25

1. If you approach a tram in a place without refuge –> allow passengers approaching the tram or who have just got off to cross the road safely
2. If you approach a stop simultaneously with a tram which is slowing down and where passengers are waiting by the side of the road –> only overtake if you do not endanger the passengers

Question 26

General rule when approaching a level crossing between road and train track?

Answer 26

Trains often cross the road at a high speed –> speed and mass of train requires hundreds of metres to stop –> so you must give priority to a train.

Question 27

What does this sign tell you?

Answer 27

You are approaching a level corssing protected by a barrier.

Note - besides barriers level crossings also have red flashing lights and alarm bells -> as soon as the alarm bell rings and lights flash you must stop.

Question 28

Should you turn off your engine when waiting at the level crossing?

Answer 28

Yes, turn off the engine until the barriers open

Question 29

Is it wise to overtake at a railway crossing?

Answer 29

Not wise and especially not when the red lights are starting to flash.

Question 30

Can another train come even after the train has passed and the barriers open automatically?

Answer 30

Yes –> to alert you to this danger there is always a sign saying “wacht tot het rode licht is gedoofd. Er kan nog een trein komen”

Basically wait until the red light has completely stopped flashing.

Question 31

Do level crossings without barriers exist?

Answer 31

Yes, they are warned by the sign attached below

Must not approach the crossing too fast –> so that you have enough time to stop if the red light is flashing.

Question 32

What is unguarded level crossing? How should you approach them?

Answer 32

These are level crossings without any barriers and without any flashing lights/alarm bells.

You must be extra careful –> only cross when you know its safe for sure

Note with foggy conditions –> must only cross if you do not hear or see any train but with heavy fog you must consider not crossing at all

Question 33

How do the slanting stripes indicate the distance towards the level crossing?

Answer 33

On the approach of the level crossing there are also warning signs with red slanting stripes below –> each slanting stripe represents 80m of distance.

Hence, three stripes means that there is 240m till the crossing.

Question 34

Are you allowed to stop on the level crossing?

Answer 34

No you may never stop on the level crossing.

So if you are driving in a queue make sure you wait before you drive on until there is enough space on the other side of the level crossing.

Question 35

What should you do if your car stalls on the level crossing?

Answer 35

1. shift into first or second gear
2. Engage clutch
3. Turn your ignition key and hold it in the start position
4. The car will now drive off the level crossing on the starting motor –> will be noisy and go with jerks but at least your off the crossing.

Question 36

At the level crossing what do these signs indicate?

Answer 36

Known as Saint Andrew’s crosses

Question 37

What does this sign indicate?

Answer 37

Informs you that the road you are driving on may have high sidewinds

Note - if sidewind is quite a regular feature, there will often be a real windstock suspended to a post –> the further it opens up the stronger the wind

If the headstock is perpendicular to the road you must be prepared for severe sidewind –> slow down

Question 38

Are bridges and flyovers more susceptible to icy conditions?

Answer 38

Yes they tend to be more slippery –> underside of the road is also affect by wind –> road surface cools down more quickly –> freezes more easily

Moveable bridges –> risk even greater

Question 39

What does this sign indicate? Important things to remember concerning this sign

Answer 39

Swing bridge

Warning sign often has a yellow flashing light –> light flashes means that the bridge is about to go up.

At the bridge itself there is a red light –> if it is lit or flashing –> you must stop.

When the red light extinguishes –> you are allowed to drive on.

Remember to switch off engine

Question 40

What does this sign indicate

Answer 40

You are approaching a tunnel in 17km

Question 41

Can vehicles/lorries carrying hazardous materials use tunnels?

Answer 41

No –> they are not allowed to use the tunnel

The sign attached is used to direct such vehicles that is suitable.

Question 42

Important driving behaviour to consider when in a tunnel?

Answer 42

You must be prepared that drivers often slow down and tend to move away from the tunnel wall –> keep this in mind when driving behind someone and when trying to overtake

Question 43

Should you wear sunglasses in a tunnel?

Answer 43

No, take off your sunglasses before you enter a tunnel

Question 44

Should you turn your dipped lights when entering a tunnel?

Answer 44

Yes, it will improve you view

Make sure you turn your light on before you enter the tunnel. If you do it in the tunnel the traffic behind you will think that you are braking suddenly –> may lead to a shock reaction

Question 45

Should you slow down your speed when exiting the tunnel?

Answer 45

Yes, when leaving the tunnel your eyes must get used to the glaring daylight –> this will take a couple of seconds.

Question 46

If you see a red light over a lane in a tunnel, should you use this lane?

Answer 46

No

Question 47

General rule for what to do if you brake down in a tunnel?

Answer 47

If your car breaks down in a tunnel, try at least to get out of the tunnel.

E.g. if you have a puncture –> drive slowly.

Tunnels are provided with information signs about emergency exists, fire extinguishers and emergency phones.

Question 48

Procedure if you should break down in a tunnel?

Answer 48

1. Switch on hazard lights immediately –> stop as far as possible to the right
2. If possible, drive to the next lay-by. Not possible? switch off your engine and carefully get out of the vehicle –> never cross the carriageway
3. Keeping close to the tunnel wall –> walk in the same direction as the traffic to reach the nearest aid station
4. At the aid station call the road traffic ontroller –> follow their instructions
5. Wait for help close to the tunnel wall
6. Wait a few metres in front of car to avoid injury if a collision from behind takes place.

Question 49

If other vehicles break down in the tunnel and you reach a standstill, should you switch off your engine?

Answer 49

Yes!