Give Way Rules and Junctions Flashcards

When turning left at a junction in Ireland, which road users must you be especially alert for?

Answer: Cyclists and pedestrians on the nearside

When turning left, always check for cyclists who may be travelling alongside you on the nearside, and for pedestrians crossing the road you are turning into.

What action should you take before reversing a vehicle?

Answer: Check all around the vehicle including blind spots, and use a banksman if visibility is poor

Before reversing, check all mirrors and look directly over both shoulders to cover blind spots. In limited visibility situations, use a banksman (guide) to direct you safely.

A vehicle with a blue flashing light but no siren approaches. What should you do?

Answer: Move safely out of its way — blue lights indicate an emergency vehicle

Blue flashing lights indicate an emergency vehicle even without a siren. You should give way safely. Gardaí vehicles, ambulances, and fire engines may use lights without sirens in some circumstances.

What is the correct way to approach a crossroads when your traffic light is on green but an emergency vehicle is approaching from a side road?

Answer: Give way to the emergency vehicle even if you have a green light

Emergency vehicles always take precedence. Even if your light is green, you must give way to an approaching emergency vehicle. Accelerating to clear the junction can be dangerous.

When overtaking a cyclist, what minimum lateral clearance should you allow?

Answer: At least 1 metre in normal conditions — more at higher speeds

The RSA recommends at least 1 metre of clearance when overtaking a cyclist in normal conditions, and more at higher speeds. A cyclist can swerve unexpectedly if they hit a pothole.

At a 'Yield' (Give Way) junction, under what condition must you come to a complete stop?

Answer: When traffic on the major road makes it unsafe to proceed without stopping

A Give Way sign requires you to yield — but if traffic conditions mean you cannot proceed safely without stopping, you must stop. It does not always mandate a full stop unlike a Stop sign.