COMING across an unfamiliar road sign is every motorists’ worst nightmare.
It is so important for motorists to be aware of the Highway Code and warnings for staggered junctions or slippery roads– here is what this sign means.
What is a staggered junction warning sign?
Warning signs, direction signs, signs giving orders, information signs, and road work signs are the five different kinds of signs in the Highway Code.
Staggered junctions signs are a warning sign.
They are triangular in shape and feature an icon of a main road with minor roads joining.
The sign is a warning to drivers that will be joining the main road from the left and the right.
However unlike at a crossroads where the roads are opposite each other, the staggered sign means the two roads are a short distance apart.
The sign helps drivers on the main route by indicating where a car could be pulling out in front of them.
It gives motorists fair warning so they can keep an eye on any cars trying to join from side roads and slow down if necessary.
Who has right of way at a staggered junction?
Drivers on the main road have the right of the way at staggered junctions.
This means that if you are approaching from a minor, or side, road you must give way to vehicles on the main road.
You will need to wait at the crossing for a gap long enough for you to make your journey across, or to join the major road.
Vehicles on the main road at a staggered junction have priority over drivers coming from both minor roads.
While you have right of way as a driver on the main road, it is advised you are prepared to slow down at a staggered junction anyway, in case of emerging traffic from either side.
What are the rules regarding a staggered junction?
Generally, it is up to drivers to establish the safest course of action at staggered junctions as there are no definitive rules – other than who has the right of way.
According to Driving Test Success, drivers joining the main road to cross over to another side road should treat the process as two separate manoeuvres.
First, they should join the major road, then make a second turn into the minor road.
You should only treat a staggered junction as a standard crossroad if the junctions are staggered very close together.