Pedestrian Crossings & Signals

This is another dual exercise which can be given in either phase but at this stage we will be dealing with phase 1. The examiner will explain what he requires of you so listen carefully. His explanation will be something on the following lines. I would like you to imagine I have been having lessons in a car similar to this and this week my instructor intended to teach me two exercises, one was how to signal correctly and the other was how to deal with pedestrian crossings. Will you teach me both of those exercises as if I haven’t had them explained to me before?

You now confirm that you will and begin by introducing yourself and establishing first names and permission to use them. Next, quickly assess his depth of knowledge by asking a few questions. For example we will say to him, I expect you will know where the indicator switch is and you will have given some signals under the direction of your instructor? No doubt he will confirm and may supply a little more information, if he does, listen carefully. Also ask, I suppose you will have used as a pedestrian, pelican, puffin and zebra crossings? Again I cannot see him not admitting to that. Ask if he knows how the sequence of the traffic lights at a pelican crossing differ from normal traffic lights. It is important that he understands the meaning of the flashing amber. Having worked out his present level I would begin by showing him the illustration of signals as produced in the Highway Code and say I would like to just run through these signals to explain their meaning and how we use them.

Pointing to the right turn signal explain that signals can be given by either the direction indicator or by arm. Signals do not entitle you to do anything, they merely inform other road users of what you would like to do. The onus is upon yourself to ensure it is safe to carry out your intended manoeuvre so this will require effective use of the mirrors.

The right turn signal can mean a few things E.G. 'I intend to move off from the kerb.' 'I intend to change lanes to the right.' 'I intend to deviate to pass a parked vehicle.' ' I intend to overtake.' When other drivers give these signals you must think and work out what he is trying to tell you. Conversely when you give a signal you should find out if your signal is being correctly interpreted.

Now move to the left turn signal and again mention this can mean a few things, it can mean, 'I intend to change lanes to the left,' 'I intend to pull up on the left.' 'I intend to turn left.'

Pointing to the arm signal 'I intend to slow down or stop' inform him that we have no mechanical equivalent of this signal. The nearest mechanical is the stop lamps but they do not signal an intention, they signal what we are doing because the accelerator has already been released and the brakes applied before the brake lights come into operation.

The other three signals given to traffic controllers are seldom required but must be learned in case they are needed. As a general rule signals should be given in good time so other road users have time to act upon them. However there are occasions when it is prudent to delay a signal, for example. If there were two turnings to the left and they were close together, if a driver was waiting to emerge from the first turning and it was your intention to turn at the second, there would be a strong possibility the driver would emerge in front of you. In these circumstances it would be better to delay the signal until you were level with the first turning so that the signal wouldn't be misinterpreted. It would not create the problem to the same degree if you were making a right turn into the second turning, because even if you intended entering the first road, the driver should wait to give you precedence. So always signal clearly and unmistakably, making sure indicators are cancelled immediately after use.

Do not give unnecessary signals for moving off, changing lanes, deviating for parked vehicles or stopping by the kerb. Use your mirrors effectively, if they are required give them,if not, don't bother but remember signals are not only given for following drivers they are for the benefit of all road users back and front. For turning right and left I would always give signals because the conditions can change rapidly as you are nearing the junction.

Finally, remember signals are signals of your intended actions, there aren't any signals which give commands to other road users, so never signal others to proceed.

Invite and deal with questions, then move onto pedestrian crossings.

Looking at the visual aids for pedestrian crossings say that broadly speaking pedestrian crossings divide into two categories, controlled and uncontrolled. The pelican and puffin are examples of controlled crossings. The zebra is an examples of an uncontrolled crossing but the zebra becomes a controlled crossing if a policeman or traffic warden is in control.

Some crossings are double crossings such as the example of the pelican crossing. When this occurs each half of the crossing is treated separately. A Zebra crossing may be staggered like the example but is not always staggered. Therefore if the crossing has keep left bollards it must be treated as a double crossing but be mindful of the pedestrian who may treat it as one crossing and dash across the road.

In order to deal with pedestrian crossings safely we must be constantly on the look-out for crossings well ahead of us. When we see one we apply two mnemonic codes: L.A.D & M.S.M. Which stand for Look Assess Decide & Mirror Signal Manoeuvre So having seen the crossing we:

Look at the footpaths in the vicinity of the crossing for the possibility of pedestrians likely to use it, not forgetting shops and junctions nearby.

Assess whether or not we need to reduce speed and if we have enough information. I E Can we see enough? Then

Decide Whether or not we need to reduce speed. We then check the

Mirrors to check the speed and position of following vehicles. Decide if we need to give a

Signal If we need a signal will the brake lights be sufficient or will we need to give the arm signal, 'I intend to slow down or stop? Then carry out the

Manoeuvre By adjusting our speed to suit the circumstances and continually re-assessing the situation as we make our final approach, which will involve further glances in the mirrors.

Finally ask if he knows what the zigzag lines are for and what are their meanings. Make sure he knows that it is unlawful to stop in the area to set down and pick up passengers. Drivers can only stop in that area to give precedence to pedestrians or in circumstances beyond their control. On approach it is also unlawful to pass the leading moving motor vehicle nearest the crossing and the leading vehicle of any kind, which is stationary for the purpose of giving precedence to pedestrians.

Invite and deal with any questions then proceed giving him practical instruction on both subjects. Do not delay to give talk-throughs as and when necessary. Also inform him of other types of crossings such as school crossings, central refuges, studs near traffic lights etc. Once you are satisfied he is beginning to understand, don't be afraid to seek the pupil's opinions. It all helps to give you feedback on the pupil's understanding and attitude.

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