Meeting situations in Driving

Meeting situations in Driving

What is the meeting situation? 

A meeting situation occurs when two vehicles are approaching each other from opposite directions on a road that is too narrow for both to pass safely at the same time 

This is common on: 

• Narrow residential streets • Country lanes • Roads with parked cars reducing the width 

When Should You Stop? 

• Give way to oncoming vehicles when your side of the road is obstructed. • If both sides are clear, but narrow, assess who has priority. • Stop before the narrowing – NOT in it. • If unsure, ALWAYS be the one to hold back. 

What to Look For: 

1. Obstructions on your side (parked cars, roadworks, bins). 2. Road width –  is there space for two vehicles? 3. Oncoming vehicles’ position and speed. 4. Gaps for passing places – where can you or they pull in safely? 5. Signs and road markings – sometimes priority is marked.

Who Has Priority?

• If your side is blocked, you should give way.

• If the other side is blocked, they should give way.

• On country lanes, use passing places courteously.

• In situations where it is unclear, use eye contact, hand signals, and ALWAYS prioritise safety over ‘being right’.

 

Good Practice:

• Approach narrow roads at a slow, cautious speed.

• Keep scanning will head for oncoming vehicles or hazards.

• Use mirrors frequently to check behind.

• Be ready to reverse safely if needed.

• ALWAYS be courteous and PATIENT.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Rushing into narrow gaps without assessing.
• Assuming the other driver will stop.
• Stopping in the middle of the road, causing a block.
• Not checking behind before reversing