The junction routine

At every junction, use a routine such as Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre (MSM)/ Position – Speed – Look (PSL).

M Check in your mirrors to assess the speed and position of vehicles behind.

S Signal clearly and in good time.

M Manoeuvre – use PSL.

P Position your vehicle correctly and in good time. Early positioning lets other road users know what you’re going to do.

S Adjust your speed as necessary.

L Look for other traffic when you reach a point from which you can see.

• Assess the situation.
• Decide whether to go or wait.
• Act accordingly.

If the road has lane markings

Use the correct lane for the direction you intend to take, and move into it as soon as you can.

Defensive driving

Where your path crosses or joins the path of other road users, there’s an increased risk of a collision if you don’t look and assess the situation correctly.

Check your mirrors, particularly for cyclists and motorcyclists, when turning at junctions. These road users can approach very quickly from behind and are less easy to see than a larger vehicle.