Readers focus on rules of the road

Bundaberg Police Traffic Branch officer-in-charge Sergeant Marty Arnold says everybody who gets behind the wheel of a car must know the laws of the road.

Darryn Smith

FOLLOWING much discussion in its contributed letters pages, the NewsMail is launching a new monthly section: Know Your Road Rules.

In conjunction with Bundaberg Police Traffic Branch and the Department of Transport and Main Roads, the NewsMail will regularly publish an explanation and diagram of the most commonly confused rules.

Bundaberg Police Traffic Branch officer-in-charge Sergeant Marty Arnold said everybody who got behind the wheel of a car must know the laws of the road.

“When people have a police car behind them, they seem to remember the rules, so it comes down to laziness the rest of the time,” he said.

But he said there were a few common situations where Bundaberg drivers seemed to come unstuck.

“One problem area is roundabouts — particularly multi-lane roundabouts,” he said.

Sgt Arnold said unless traffic lane arrows indicated otherwise, people should remember these rules: to turn left, use the left lane; to turn right, use the right lane; and to go straight ahead, use either lane.

“When entering a roundabout, indicate if you are turning left or right, and indicate left when you exit the roundabout,” Sgt Arnold said.

“Give way to traffic that is already on the roundabout.”

Sometimes on a multi-lane roundabout, it may be necessary to change lanes before exiting.

“Then it is the responsibility of the driver changing lanes to give way to vehicles in the other lane.

If there is a rule you would like explained, send your question to editorial@news-mail.com.au or call 4153 8513.

To test your knowledge for free, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au and click on the link, “Practise the road rules test”.