During my time spent instructing learner drivers, I’ve become aware of some of the dangerous places faced by new drivers when first taking to the road after passing their tests.
Richmond Hill Roundabout joining the Wessex Way A338
This short slip road is particularly challenging and dangerous for new drivers. It can be difficult to join the Wessex Way as you have to really keep an eye out for all the traffic coming from behind you and the traffic inside the dual carriageway that fails or are unable to move into the right-hand lane to allow you to join more easily, forcing you to stop. Trying to pick up quickly from a stationary position in time for traffic moving quickly on the dual carriageway can also be very challenging for inexperienced drivers, especially with pressure from traffic queued behind you.
Oakdale Road, Poole, joining the Dorset Way A3049
Another short slip road is challenging for its very sharp bend and narrow lane, requiring drivers to slow down drastically to allow themselves more time to spot potential hazards when joining the dual carriageway. A lack of visibility of traffic already on the dual carriageway makes this even more dangerous.
Dorchester Road double roundabout near Upton, Poole
This roundabout links Dorchester Road, Poole Road, Blandford Road and Blandford Road North. Unlike most double mini-roundabouts the approach from Dorchester Road has 3 lanes, which at first could confuse even experienced drivers. The lack of road markings makes this even more challenging when selecting the direction you want to take. The distance in between the two roundabouts is also particularly short, leaving little time to think or correct your lane position. This route is also well used by cyclists which means drivers need to be extra vigilant when changing direction.