Thursday, Mar 20, 2008 at 10:53
Vehicle changing lanes MUST give way to any other vehicle travelling in the lane into which they wish to move.
Australian Road Rules
Division 4—Driving in marked lanes or lines of traffic. Sections 146, 147, 148 and 149.
A.R.R. Link
For those not sure of what this means, the following is from A.R.R.
For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision—see the definition in the dictionary.
Obligation to give way:
There are a number of rules requiring a driver to give way to another driver or a pedestrian.
However, under the Rules the other driver or pedestrian does not have a "right" of way. Indeed, in some situations, a number of drivers may be required to give way to each other, eg at an
intersection with a
stop sign or give way
sign on more than 1 of the intersecting roads.
Similarly, although a driver may be required to give way to a pedestrian, the pedestrian is required under rule 236 (1) not to cause a traffic
hazard by moving into the driver's path.
COURTESY. What is it?
From Dictionary.com
Link comes the following definition (meaning of word):
courtesy
noun
1. a courteous or respectful or considerate act
2. a courteous or respectful or considerate remark
3. a courteous manner [ant: discourtesy]
So as you can see, courtesy is something that is given by one to another. Despite what many may think, courtesy is not something that you can demand or insist on from another (driver). You can ask for it, however it is always something that is given. If/when it is given, don't forget to say thanks - a simple wave of the hand, nod of the head or whatever is considered acceptable. However is someone for some reason doesn't show you an act of courtesy, DON'T give them the fingers, blast the horn, tailgate them etc BECAUSE they may have considered to have done so MAY heve placed themselves or others into danger or at risk and in doing so would/might have been considered to have been Driving Without Due Care or perhaps even Manner Dangerous etc. YOU cannot know what is iin the mind of or what has or hasn't been perceived by the other driver. SO, don't be unreasonably JUDGEMENTAL or CONDEMMING.
So when changing lanes, with your indicator flashing in the hope that someone will GIVE you some courtesy and let you into the lane, REMEMBER, (1) the onus is on the vehicle changing lanes to GIVE-WAY and (2) the act of COURTESY is something that is given NOT demanded by someone who through ignorance or stupidity thinks that they can change lanes at will without any consideration for or of other road users.
Road Rules have been designed and implemented in order to provide a uniform set of rules with the expectation that motorists would comply thus creating uniform behaviour on our roads resulting in less collisions (not accidents), road rage and other socially unacceptable behaviour.
Have a safe and Happy
Easter.
FollowupID:
559469