Filtered Traffic Lights

So following on from the previous post, I said that we would have a look at filtered traffic lights and as usual there are a few different combinations. Here is the first example:

With this one it is fairly obvious that the left pair of lights control the left 2 lanes and the right 2 control the right turning traffic. So in the current state of this picture the traffic turning right have a red light, whereas those going straight ahead have green. But sometimes it is not quite as clear as this, here is another example (sorry picture isn't perfect).

The lanes shown by the green and blue arrows are controlled by the lights shown by the red arrow. I've inserted a larger version into the picture to help you to see what's going on. So if you are travelling in the "blue" lane, intending to turn right - you must obey the RED light. However as the light sequences progresses you will see a green light in the shape of a right facing arrow. When this happens, you need to turn right, safe in the knowledge that the on-coming traffic will have a red light i.e. you don't wait.

The next picture shows a few of typical filter lights, but there are many types.

The junction in the image below is in Lichfield and has what I call a "part-time filter light". Looking at the above picture, the right hand light has a normal green light plus a right facing arrow green light. This is what is we have in the picture below (shown by white arrow).

As you approach this one, the lights will change (at some point) and traffic going left, ahead and right will have a green (circular) light. So if you are turning right, you will position yourself ready to turn - waiting for on-coming traffic. However after a few seconds the bottom fourth light (green arrow) might come on and you can proceed (as above you can be sure that the on-coming have red light). But filter light doesn't always come on; the sensors try to check if there is any vehicle waiting to turn (hence my name - part-time).

So lots of different filtered traffic light complexes to deal with and if you want to learn to drive in Tamworth or Lichfield please click the appropriate link.

Top ten reasons for failing the practical driving test

According to the Driving Standards Agency, the current pass rate for the UK driving test is 43%. So it has to be useful to know what most people do wrong.

The top ten reasons for failing the driving test are:

1. Observation at junctions: Ineffective observation and judgement.
2. Reverse parking manoeuvre: Ineffective observation or lack of accuracy.
3. Use of mirrors: Not checking or not acting on information from mirrors.
4. Reversing around a corner manoeuvre: Ineffective observation or a lack of accuracy.
5. Incorrect use of signals on driving test: Not cancelling or giving misleading signals.
6. Moving away safely: Ineffective observation before moving.
7. Incorrect positioning on the road: At roundabouts or on bends.
8. Lack of steering control: Steering too early or leaving it too late.
9. Incorrect positioning to turn right: At junctions and in one way streets.
10. Inappropriate speed during the test: Travelling too slowly or being hesitant.

Intensive driving courses are the fastest and cheapest way to learn

Signals to other road users

The Highway Code states that signals are used to warn and inform other road users of our intentions. How many signals can you think of and how often are they used? Most people would say, indicators, brake lights, reversing lights, hazard warning lights - then err err can't remember. Anyway for what it is worth there are 8 and I believe this is the correct ranking based on usage.

1. Car position i.e. parked or holding back; positioned to turn right/left; lane discipline on roundabout, dual carriageway etc.
2. Brake lights
3. Indicators
4. Reversing lights
5. Headlight flash
6. Hazard warning lights
7. Horn
8. Arm signals

So if you think about it we are continuously giving at least one signal at all times, even if we are simply driving down a straight road with no intention of turning off. The car position is an intuitive signal straight from the driver's subconscious.

Ask about the practical test backlog and how we get around it.