Intersection

intuition

Our roads are full of intersections – T-junctions, crossroads, roundabouts, dog legs… you name it. See if you know the rules to safely negotiate these real-life SA intersections.

Words: Andrew Rasch

1. The blue car is turning left onto Osmond Terrace but there's a red left-turn arrow shown. There's space in the left lane to pull up next to the red car, but the blue car would be stopped in a bike lane. Which of the following statements is most accurate?

A. The blue car can't stop to turn left, because it'd be blocking a bike lane

B. The blue car can stop to turn left, but only outside of peak times

C. The blue car can stop to turn left after giving way to cyclists

2. Middleton has offset T-junctions where Mindacowie Terrace and Ocean Road intersect with Goolwa Road. In which order should the cars proceed?

A. Blue car, red car, yellow car

B. Yellow car, blue car, red car

C. Red car, blue car, yellow car

D. Yellow car, red car, blue car

3. You're waiting at a level crossing for a train to pass. Once the train has passed, the boom barriers rise and you drive over the crossing without waiting for the lights to stop flashing. Have you broken the law?

A. The blue car

4. The blue car is turning right onto Penneys Hill Road at Huntfield Heights, where there's a green light but no arrow. The red car is turning left onto Penneys Hill Road with a green light and no arrow. Who must give way?

B. The blue car

5. The blue car is turning right onto North Terrace. As it turns, the driver notices a red traffic light next to the tram line. Is the blue car required to stop at the red lights?

A. Yes, of course – they're red lights

B. No, these particular red lights are for the eastbound traffic, including the red car, on North Terrace

6. The red car is turning right from the right lane of James Schofield Drive onto Frank Collopy Court. Meanwhile, the blue car is turning right from the left lane of Western Link Road onto James Schofield Drive. Which car must give way?

B. The blue car

7. The blue car on Tapleys Hill Road near Harbour Town is stopped in the left lane at the intersection with West Beach Road, where three lanes become two up ahead. There's also a red car in the middle lane. Once the lights turn green, what is the safest way for the blue car to complete a zip merge?

A. Minimise potential collisions by flooring it to get to the merge point first

B. Accelerate slowly, then stop to give way to all cars in the middle lane

C. Accelerate in an appropriate manner, giving way to the red car if it's in front at the merge point

8. The red car is turning left into the left lane on Bookpurnong Terrace in Loxton. At the same time, a blue car is exiting the roundabout onto Bookpurnong Terrace. Which of the following is most accurate?

A. The blue car isn't allowed to exit the roundabout at Bookpurnong Terrace

B. The blue car is allowed to cross into the left lane when exiting

C. The red car must come to a complete stop before turning onto Bookpurnong Terrace

D. The red car can proceed with care because the blue car must exit the roundabout into the right lane of Bookpurnong Terrace

How did you go?

0–3 You should probably steer clear of intersections.

4–5 Getting better, but you probably have some white-knuckled passengers.

6–7 Nice effort, but you'll be safer if you brush up on some intersection rules.

8 Marvellous. You're an intersection intellectual!

IMAGES: Getty.

Want to know more about the road rules?

RAA's experts can help get you to your destination safely and within the rules. Call 8202 4570 or email motoringroadrules@raa.com.au

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