Turning rule a right mess

Part of the Government's Safer Journeys plan for improved road safety includes doing away with the contentious right-turn rule, introduced in 1977. Last week on this page we ran some of the letters about the rule that the Good Oil has received over the years. Here are some of the emails that arrived this week.

Roger: What really annoys me regarding the current right-turn rule is that following drivers who may be blocked by a left-turning vehicle yielding right of way, overtake the turning vehicle, whether this means driving on median strips or crossing the centre line. But I guess the former is okay, as I have noted police cars doing what I detest. Many drivers also cross the centre line when they overtake a car waiting to turn into a park.

Dennis: Since this mindless rule was introduced I would hate to estimate the number of near misses that I have encountered both in the city and in the country. Because the angle of the car removes the effectiveness of the rear-view mirrors when turning left, this makes it almost impossible to recognise whether the right-turning motorist is free to turn and will do so, or will wait for through-traffic, thus leaving the way free for the left-turner to continue on their way. The rule leaves motorists (even those who know the rule) in a situation of indecision and uncertainty and so creates a potential accident scenario.

Ross: There is one factor that most people seem to miss. Every intersection, every roundabout, is unique. Sight lines, road widths, traffic speeds, topography and geometry of the intersection, whether any lane markings actually make sense or are even visible in advance to drivers - all these and many other factors vary enormously and are different for every intersection. So one size does not fit all. For many intersections, the current law works brilliantly. For others it is a disaster. Similarly with the old give-way-if-you-are-turning-right law. One other thing I know for sure, if the law is changed back: we will instantly revert to the old times of interminable queues of cars waiting impatiently to turn right in the middle of the road. The real solution, of course, is to engineer each intersection, according to its unique features, with the intelligent placement of lanes and give way signs. Unfortunately, intelligence and signage don't seem to have any connection any more.

Scott: Geez, that guy who said he makes sure no one can pass him (while he's turning left) needs his head read. Does he not realise how much road rage that causes, and restricts illegally the people carrying on straight ahead? Wonder how many times he has been abused - more than a few, I bet.

Ras: The driving age in Ethiopia is 18, not 14. Rare for any teenager to afford a vehicle. High fatality rate is due to lack of seat-belt law, or no seat-belts in many old vehicles, and total ignorance of speed and road-safety rules.

ED: The World Health Organisation has the legal driving age in Ethiopia at 14 years. In North Dakota, it is 14 years 6 months. In Arkansas, it is 14 years. Both US states have driver training, curfew and passenger conditions.