Entering a Dual Carriageway Safely From a Slip Road

When entering a dual carriageway it is important to match the speed (within the legal limits) of the traffic that is already on the main road, therefore not causing anyone to slow down. To do this, make good use of the 'accelleration lane' to firstly judge and then accellerate to an appropriate speed.

Even though it should generally be 'obvious' that you are about to enter the dual carriageway (as there will, nearly always, be nowhere else to go!) - you should signal right in reasonable time to emphasise what you are intending to do. This should help to make others even more aware - especially if their concentration has partly lapsed due to a monotonous journey.

As tempting as it may be, avoid turning your head to look 'backwards' as this will remove any forward awareness from your peripheral vision.

Instead, make effective use of your rear view and right door mirrors and include several effective sideways glances (90 degrees) to ensure there is no-one in your 'blind spot' - especially moving from the second lane, back into lane #1 at the same time as you are moving from the acceleration lane into lane #1.

Avoid sudden steering movements, both to avoid startling any other driver and to regain total control of your vehicle. On this point, you should also bear in mind that the faster you travel, the more effect a small steering movement will have.

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