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Flush Medians & How to Use Them
May 24, 2023 at 11:50 PM
How to Move into a Flush Median
- Maintain Following Distance: Before initiating any manoeuvre, ensure you have a sufficient following distance from the vehicle in front of you. This distance allows for a safe and comfortable transition into the flush median.
- Check Rear Vision Mirror and Indicate: Before moving, glance at your rear vision mirror to assess the traffic behind you. Next, start indicating your intention to move to the right by activating your right turn signal. It is crucial to signal for a minimum of three seconds to provide ample warning to other drivers.
- Check Side Mirror and Blind Spot: Shift your focus to the side mirror and verify the surrounding traffic. Then, perform a quick blind spot check by glancing over your right shoulder to ensure no vehicles are in your blind spot. This step is critical to avoid any potential collisions.
- Gradually Turn the Steering Wheel: Once you've determined it's safe to proceed, gently turn the steering wheel slightly towards the right. This subtle adjustment allows your vehicle to move smoothly toward the flush median in the centre of the road. Remember to maintain control and only turn the wheel a little bit to ensure a gradual transition.
- Settle in the Flush Median: Once you've entered the flush median, take a moment to check your rear vision mirror. This action will help you remain aware of vehicles approaching from behind. Adjust your speed accordingly and prepare for the next steps in your journey.
How to Move out of a Flush Median
- Ensure Adequate Space: Before exiting the flush median, ensure there is enough space for you to merge back into the traffic safely. Assess the traffic flow and maintain an appropriate gap between your vehicle and others.
- Check Rear Vision Mirror and Indicate: Prior to changing lanes, check your rear vision mirror to gauge the traffic situation behind you. Once clear, indicate your intention to move to the left by activating your left turn signal. Remember to signal for at least three seconds to give other drivers sufficient notice.
- Check Side Mirror and Blind Spot: Shift your attention to the side mirror and verify that it is safe to proceed. Perform a quick blind spot check by glancing over your left shoulder to ensure there are no vehicles in your blind spot. This precautionary measure is crucial for a safe lane change.
- Gradually Turn the Steering Wheel: Once you've confirmed it is safe to move, gently turn the steering wheel slightly towards the left. This subtle adjustment allows your vehicle to move gradually towards the left-hand lane. Maintain control and ensure you turn the wheel only a small amount to ensure a smooth transition.
- Settle in Your Lane: After successfully merging into the traffic, take a moment to check your rear vision mirror. This action helps you remain aware of vehicles approaching from behind. Adjust your speed as necessary and continue driving safely in your designated lane.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you can confidently and safely navigate moving into and out of a flush median. Remember, patience, awareness, and proper signalling are vital during these manoeuvres. Always prioritize the safety of yourself and others on the road and practice these steps to enhance your driving skills.
FAQs
1) What is a flush median and when can I use it?
A flush median is the painted centre strip used to help drivers turn right safely. You may use it to slow, wait, and turn right, or to enter it after a right turn so you can pause and merge when there’s a safe gap. It’s not for general travel, overtaking, or parking.
2) How do I enter a flush median correctly?
Set up early: mirror → signal right (3+ seconds) → side mirror → shoulder (blind-spot) check → smooth lateral move. Keep the steer gentle, keep speed controlled, and align parallel within the median so you’re not protruding into live lanes.
3) How do I exit a flush median and merge back into traffic?
When you have a clear gap: mirror → signal left (3+ seconds) → side mirror → shoulder check → smooth merge into the left lane. Build speed progressively and cancel the indicator once fully established.
4) Can I drive along or overtake using a flush median?
No. A flush median isn’t a travel lane and mustn’t be used to pass queues, undertake turns without stopping, or park. Treat it as a short, controlled space for right-turn set-up or post-turn merging only.
5) Who has right of way when I’m waiting in the median?
Traffic in the through lanes has priority. You must give way to both directions until a safe gap appears. Don’t nose into the lane or block side-road sightlines; keep wheels straight and be ready to stop.
6) What common mistakes should I avoid?
Late or no signalling, skipping the shoulder check, stopping at an angle that protrudes into lanes, using the median to “queue-jump”, or lingering without a plan to merge/turn. Set up early, communicate clearly, and commit only when the gap is unmistakably safe.
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