Lesson 4: Traffic Rules & Emergency Procedures 🚦🚑

Master advanced traffic rules and emergency procedures with free flashcards and spaced repetition practice. This lesson covers priority rules at junctions, emergency vehicle protocols, accident management, road positioning strategies, and critical Highway Code procedures - essential knowledge for passing the UK DVSA Driving Theory Test with confidence.

Welcome to Lesson 4! 👋

You've already covered road signs, speed limits, stopping distances, and motorway rules. Now it's time to tackle the complex decision-making scenarios that separate good drivers from great ones. This lesson focuses on situations where you must make split-second judgements: Who has priority? What do I do at an accident? How should I position my vehicle?

These topics appear frequently in the theory test (typically 8-12 questions out of 50), and they're crucial for real-world driving safety. Let's dive into the rules that could save lives - including your own.

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🚦 Priority Rules and Junction Etiquette

Understanding Right of Way

Priority (or "right of way") determines which vehicle should proceed first at junctions, roundabouts, and other conflict points. The fundamental principle: safety first, legal priority second. Even when you have priority, you must ensure it's safe to proceed.

Unmarked Crossroads (Box Junctions)

When two roads of equal importance meet with no signs or road markings, nobody has automatic priority. The rule: proceed with extreme caution, make eye contact with other drivers, and use courtesy to determine who goes first. Typically, the driver who arrives first proceeds first, but safety trumps everything.

💡 Pro Tip: At unmarked junctions, slow down significantly and be prepared to stop. Never assume other drivers will give way, even if you arrived first.

T-Junctions

At a T-junction, traffic on the "through road" (the top of the T) has priority. If you're emerging from the stem of the T, you must give way to traffic on the through road from both directions.

┌──────────────────────────────────────┐
│     THROUGH ROAD (Priority)          │
│    ←──────────────────────→          │
│              │                        │
│              │ You must                │
│              │ give way                │
│              ↑                        │
│           (You here)                  │
└──────────────────────────────────────┘

Yellow Box Junctions

A yellow box junction (yellow criss-cross markings) means: Do not enter unless your exit is clear. The only exception: you may wait in the box when turning right, if only oncoming traffic prevents you from completing the turn.

⚠️ Common Mistake: Many learners think they can enter a box junction if the traffic light is green. Wrong! The exit must be clear regardless of light color. Blocking a box junction can result in a fine.

Emergency Vehicle Protocol 🚑

When an emergency vehicle approaches with blue lights and/or sirens:

1. Look and assess: Check where the vehicle is coming from
2. Move aside safely: Pull over to the left if possible, but don't mount the pavement or break traffic laws
3. Don't panic: Avoid sudden braking or swerving
4. At traffic lights: Don't go through a red light - wait until it's safe and legal to move
5. After passing: Check mirrors before pulling back out

💡 Real-World Scenario: You're in heavy traffic and hear a siren behind you. The traffic light ahead is red. What do you do? Answer: Stay where you are. Don't run the red light. The emergency vehicle driver is trained to navigate traffic and may use the other lane or wait briefly.

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🚗 Road Positioning and Lane Discipline

The Two-Second Rule (Following Distance)

You learned about stopping distances in Lesson 2. Now let's apply that knowledge practically. The two-second rule helps you maintain a safe following distance:

1. When the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point (lamp post, bridge, sign)
2. Say slowly: "Only a fool breaks the two-second rule"
3. You should reach that point after finishing the phrase
4. If not, you're too close - drop back

In poor conditions (rain, fog, ice), double this to four seconds or more.

Conditions	Minimum Gap	Rationale
Dry, good visibility	2 seconds	Standard stopping distance
Wet roads	4 seconds	Braking distance doubles
Icy roads	10 seconds	Braking distance increases 10x
Fog	Extended gap	Reduced visibility requires more reaction time

Lane Positioning on Single Carriageways

On a normal two-way road:

• Default position: Well to the left, but not in the gutter (about 1 metre from the kerb)
• Approaching left turn: Move slightly left, but watch for cyclists on your left
• Approaching right turn: Move toward the centre line, but stay on your side
• Passing parked cars: Move out early, check mirrors, signal if necessary
• Passing cyclists: Give at least 1.5 metres (5 feet) of space - more at speed

Multi-Lane Roads (Dual Carriageways)

The left lane is the default driving lane. Use the right lane(s) for:

• Overtaking slower vehicles
• Turning right
• Following directional signs for your route

Lane hogging (staying in the middle or right lane when the left lane is clear) is illegal and can result in a fine. Once you've overtaken, move back to the left when safe.

Overtaking Rules

Only overtake when:

• ✅ You can see far enough ahead (no bends, dips, or brows of hills)
• ✅ The road is wide enough
• ✅ It's legal (no solid white lines, not within zig-zag markings near crossings)
• ✅ You won't exceed the speed limit
• ✅ You won't force others to slow down or swerve

Never overtake:

• ❌ Approaching a junction where another vehicle might turn across your path
• ❌ Where you'd have to cross double solid white lines
• ❌ Within the zig-zag area near pedestrian crossings
• ❌ When the vehicle ahead is slowing to turn right
• ❌ After a "No Overtaking" sign

SAFE OVERTAKING PROCEDURE

1. Position    2. Mirror-Signal-   3. Accelerate    4. Return Left
               Manoeuvre                            
   ↑              ↑                   ⟹               ↓
   |              ↗                  ⟹⟹             ↙
───●───        ───●───            ──●──          ─────●────
  🚗            🚗                 🚗             🚗

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🚑 Accident and Emergency Procedures

If You're Involved in an Accident

The law requires you to stop if you're involved in an accident that causes:

• Injury to another person
• Damage to another vehicle
• Damage to property (walls, fences, etc.)
• Injury to an animal (horse, cattle, sheep, pig, goat, dog - but not cats)

Making the Scene Safe

1. Switch off engines - reduces fire risk
2. Switch on hazard warning lights - on all vehicles involved
3. Set up warning triangle - 45 metres (147 feet) behind the accident on the same side of the road (but NOT on motorways - too dangerous)
4. Don't move casualties - unless there's immediate danger (fire, explosion risk)
5. Don't remove helmets - unless essential for breathing
6. Keep casualties warm - use coats or blankets, but don't give food or drink
7. Manage traffic - ask bystanders to slow approaching vehicles

What Information to Exchange

You must give your details to anyone with reasonable grounds to request them:

Essential information to provide:

• Your name and address
• Vehicle registration number
• Insurance details (company name and policy number)

Information to collect from others:

• Same details as above from all parties involved
• Names and addresses of witnesses
• Photos of damage, vehicle positions, road conditions (if safe to do so)

Reporting to Police

You must report the accident to police within 24 hours if:

• Another person is injured
• You didn't give your details at the scene (other driver left, for example)
• Damage occurred to property and the owner wasn't present

⚠️ Important: You don't need to report minor "damage only" accidents to police if details were exchanged, but you must inform your insurance company.

Tunnel Emergencies 🚇

Tunnels present unique hazards. If your vehicle breaks down or catches fire in a tunnel:

1. Switch on hazard warning lights
2. Leave the vehicle immediately - take keys
3. Move to the nearest emergency exit - follow the green running man signs
4. Use emergency telephone - marked every 100 metres
5. Never turn around or reverse in a tunnel
6. Never try to fix the vehicle in a tunnel - evacuate and call for help

TUNNEL EMERGENCY EXITS

┌────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  🚗→→→→→→→→→ 🔥🚗 →→→→→→→→→→→ 🚗          │
│              ↓                             │
│           🏃 (Green running man)            │
│              ↓                             │
│           [Emergency Exit]                 │
│              ↓                             │
│         Safe refuge area                   │
│         📞 Emergency phone                 │
└────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Level Crossing Emergencies 🚂

If your vehicle breaks down on a level crossing:

1. Get everyone out of the vehicle immediately
2. Use the railway telephone - if there is one
3. Move clear of the crossing - at least 50 metres down the track
4. Do not try to push the vehicle off - unless train is not coming and you're certain you can clear it quickly
5. If a train approaches - run toward the train (so debris won't hit you) and keep running

💡 Did you know? A train can take over a kilometre to stop, even in an emergency. That's why clearing the crossing immediately is critical - the train driver cannot stop in time.

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📍 Parking Rules and Restrictions

Where You Must NOT Park

Absolute no-parking zones:

• Near a school entrance (follow signs - usually zig-zag markings)
• Opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction (blocks visibility)
• On a pedestrian crossing or zig-zag markings
• In a space reserved for disabled badge holders (Blue Badge)
• On a motorway (except in emergency)
• At a bus stop clearway (red route markings)
• On the approach to a level crossing
• Within a cycle lane during operational hours

Night Parking Rules 🌙

At night (between half-hour after sunset and half-hour before sunrise):

On roads with 30 mph or less speed limit:

• You may park without lights if at least 10 metres (32 feet) from a junction
• Vehicle must be parallel to the kerb
• Must be facing in the direction of traffic flow

On roads over 30 mph:

• Must use a designated parking area (lay-by)
• Keep sidelights on if parking on the carriageway

Parking on the right at night:

• Only allowed on one-way streets
• Otherwise, always park on the left (in the direction of traffic flow)

Double Parking

Double parking (parking alongside another parked vehicle) is illegal. It obstructs traffic and emergency vehicles. Always park directly against the kerb.

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🛣️ Advanced Highway Code Rules

Mobile Phone Laws 📱

It is illegal to hold a mobile phone while driving. This includes:

• Making or receiving calls
• Texting
• Taking photos
• Using the internet
• Scrolling through playlists

Even when stopped at traffic lights or in queuing traffic, you must not use a handheld phone. The engine must be off and you must be safely parked.

Legal use:

• Hands-free kit (phone in cradle, voice control)
• Parked safely with engine off

Penalties: 6 penalty points and £200 fine. New drivers (within 2 years of passing test) lose their licence entirely.

Seat Belt Laws 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Driver responsibility:

• The driver must wear a seat belt (if fitted)
• Ensure all children under 14 wear appropriate restraints
• Adult passengers (14+) are responsible for themselves

Child restraint rules:

• Children under 135 cm (4'5") or under 12 years must use an appropriate child car seat
• Only exceptions: taxis, emergency vehicles, or if seat belts aren't fitted
• Rear-facing baby seats must never be used in a seat with an active airbag

Tiredness and Driving 😴

Driver fatigue causes up to 20% of accidents on major roads. Signs you're too tired to drive safely:

• Frequent yawning
• Difficulty focusing
• Heavy eyelids
• Drifting between lanes
• Missing road signs or exits

If you feel tired:

1. Find a safe place to stop - service area or layby
2. Drink two cups of coffee (or other caffeinated drink)
3. Take a 15-20 minute nap
4. Walk around before continuing
5. Consider an overnight stop on long journeys

⚠️ Opening windows or turning up music does NOT work - only sleep restores alertness.

Driving in Poor Weather Conditions 🌧️

Fog (visibility less than 100 metres):

• Use dipped headlights (low beams)
• Use front and rear fog lights
• Slow down
• Increase following distance dramatically
• Don't hang on to vehicle lights ahead - maintain your own safe distance

Remember: Switch fog lights OFF when visibility improves - they dazzle other drivers.

Heavy rain:

• Slow down - stopping distances double
• Be aware of spray from other vehicles reducing visibility
• Watch for aquaplaning (vehicle skating on water film) - ease off accelerator gently if it happens

Strong crosswinds:

• Grip steering wheel firmly
• Be prepared for vehicles to be blown off course
• High-sided vehicles, motorcycles, and cyclists are especially vulnerable
• Slow down when passing or being passed by large vehicles

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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

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🎯 Key Takeaways

Priority and Positioning:

• Nobody has automatic priority at unmarked junctions
• Don't block yellow box junctions (exception: turning right with only oncoming traffic preventing you)
• Always give way to emergency vehicles, but do so safely and legally
• Two-second rule in dry conditions, four seconds in wet
• Give cyclists at least 1.5 metres when overtaking

Accident Management:

• DRSABC: Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, Circulation
• Don't move casualties unless immediate danger
• Warning triangle 45 metres behind (not on motorways)
• Report to police within 24 hours if injury or details not exchanged

Legal Requirements:

• Must stop after any accident causing injury or damage
• Handheld mobile phone use illegal even when stationary in traffic
• Children under 135 cm must use appropriate car seat
• Report accidents to insurance even if "minor"

Safe Driving Practices:

• Default to left lane on multi-lane roads
• Never assume other drivers will give way
• Switch fog lights OFF when visibility improves
• Stop and rest if feeling tired - coffee and 15-minute nap
• Don't park within 10 metres of a junction

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📋 Quick Reference Card: Emergency & Priority Rules

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🧠 Memory Devices

DRSABC for accident response:
Danger check - Response check - Send for help - Airway - Breathing - Circulation

SCALP for safe overtaking:
Speed appropriate - Clear view ahead - Adequate space - Legal position - Pass quickly but safely

"Only a fool breaks the two-second rule" - say this phrase to measure following distance

45-10-10 parking rule:
45 metres for warning triangle - 10 metres from junction - 10 metres night parking allowance

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📚 Further Study

1. Official DVSA Highway Code - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code
   Complete, authoritative rules of the road

2. UK Government Driving Test Resources - https://www.gov.uk/driving-theory-test
   Official practice materials and booking information

3. Think! Road Safety Campaign - https://www.think.gov.uk/
   Real accident statistics and safety advice for specific scenarios

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Ready to test your knowledge? The questions below will put you in realistic driving scenarios. Remember: the theory test requires 43 out of 50 correct answers. Focus on understanding the why behind each rule, not just memorizing facts. Good luck! 🍀