Meeting traffic

The M.S.P.S.L routine

We apply the same routine when dealing with obstructions and meeting traffic — with a couple of twists:

• Mirrors — check how your actions will affect vehicles behind as you approach the obstruction or need to give way.
• Signal — we don't usually indicate around obstructions; your road position should be signal enough (we'll cover exceptions below).
• Position — keep a safe distance from the obstruction, positioned so it's clear you intend to go around it.
• Speed — varies with the amount of space available.
• Look — constant observation ahead and behind helps you choose the right action.

Who has priority?

Generally, when the obstruction is on your side of the road, the other driver has priority — which makes sense, because you'll be moving onto their side of the road.

Give way in these situations — but never assume other drivers will do the same for you. Even when you have priority, stay wary: they may not have seen you, or may have misjudged. Read the other car's “body language” — if it doesn't seem to be slowing down, slow down yourself and be ready to give way.

The hold-back point

When giving way, choose your hold-back point — the position where you'll stop and wait. Three things to weigh up:

Moving off again

First — did you need to stop at all? Always be planning ahead and aiming for continuous motion: if you can ease your speed and let the other car pass while you keep rolling, great. Just don't drift too close to the parked car — if you reach your hold-back point, stop.

Once stopped, when the road is clear, follow the P.O.M routine: Prepare the car as for any move-off; Observe ahead and in your mirrors — could anyone think you're parked?; and Move, deciding whether an indicator helps. If a driver behind watched you pull in to give way, they're expecting you to move off — no signal needed. If they arrived after you stopped and might think you're parked, an indicator may help. Every situation is unique: signal only when it benefits and won't confuse.

Cars on both sides — who goes?

When there are obstructions on both sides, nobody has priority. Assess each situation on its merits:

• •Speed of the oncoming vehicle — does it look like they're giving way?
• •Position — are they pulling in, or moving towards the centre?
• •Who has the better gap? Usually the side with the much bigger gap gives way — but never assume.
• •Not sure the other car is giving way? Slow down and be prepared to give way yourself.

Traffic calming measures

Build-outs, chicanes and pinch points create meeting-traffic situations of their own. Follow the same rules as you would for a parked car or any other obstruction.

Sometimes road markings and signs tell you who has priority — but as with every meeting-traffic decision, don't assume an oncoming vehicle will give way just because they're supposed to. Check their speed and position before committing.

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