Road Rules: The CRAZY Melbourne Hook Turn!

[@CRUDEDriving]

Thanks for watching this video. I would appreciate feedback on how to make this video better for viewers? Let me know in the comments... Check out a KZbin short of the hook turn with a tram lane here: kzbin.infoASKAIDEj7fo Further Info With Time Codes: ------------------------------------------------ 00:16 - Victorian Road Safety Road Rule 76: A driver must not move into the path of an approaching tram in a tram lane. If driving straight down tram lanes, we must move out of the path of the tram if it can be done safely and if applicable. This may not be possible due to traffic/parked cars. For example: Lygon St in Brunswick. Tram lanes may have time restrictions whereby we can not use the tram lane between a certain time. This is usually during peak times. 1:21 - Before approaching the intersection, if there are already vehicles inside and we cannot fit beyond the pedestrian crossing in-front of us, then we should not enter the intersection and wait back for the next cycle of traffic lights. 1:40 - Checking the right mirror and performing a right head/shoulder check will help us to avoid someone from behind potentially doing the wrong thing, such as driving straight through the red light or turning before us. There could be a vulnerable road user next to us, such as a motorcyclist or cyclist.

[@andrewrussack8647]

The Hook Turn is a sensible solution to a traffic flow problem. It’s not perfect, but it allows a much better flow for trams. Hook Turns are also in place in other Australian states, not as common as Melbourne, but there are others.

[@CRUDEDriving]

Yes, it certainly helps with the flow of trams. Certainly not perfect and many don't understand it.

[@kevinboers2278]

People don't understand that you have to wait for the green light to appear on the street you are wanting to turn into before you proceed with your hook turn. Cars waiting behind you often beep as soon as your light turns red not knowing that the other light has to turn green first before you commence your turn. And the drivers in the street you want to turn into often commence entering the intersection before you even commence your turn also not understanding why you are waiting.

[@CRUDEDriving]

100%. I showcase this near the end of the video. I think people either don't know or just don't care. What we do, is when the traffic light directly in front of us turns amber, we start rolling ever so slowly to create the momentum to then go when the light turns green on the road we are turning into. Rather than being completely stopped to immediately moving. This can sometimes help with stopping people from behind beeping and is much better for flow. And of course, being highly aware of who is behind us before committing with a right mirror and head check. 🙏🏾

[@kevinboers2278]

@@CRUDEDriving I suspect that most are ignorant but I am aware that some of the illuminated hook turn signs have a wait flashing signal that drivers are ignoring so it could be a don't care attitude. But good tip, I will employ it and see if that helps.

[@frry6700]

What about if there is 3rd car want to do the hook turn as well? The 3rd car cant fit to stop at the middle of the intersection

[@CRUDEDriving]

Before approaching the intersection, if there are already vehicles inside and we cannot fit beyond the pedestrian crossing in-front of us, then we should not enter the intersection and wait back for the next cycle of traffic lights. Hope this helps. :)

[@93ben]

If there's 2 hook turns provided (each direction of the intersection) is it legal to use the both to preform a uturn? Like you enter the intersection on the left, wait for the road you want to do another hook turn on to go green, get into that hook turn lane and then wait for the green again? Or hook turns are only meant to be used once and you have to go around the block to make the uturn?

[@CRUDEDriving]

Thanks for the comment and question, Ben. 🙏🏽 This is the rule copied from the Road Safety Road Rules 2017: - 37 Beginning a U-turn A driver must not begin a U-turn unless- (a) the driver has a clear view of any approaching traffic; and (b) the driver can safely make the U-turn without unreasonably obstructing the free movement of traffic. When making a hook turn, rule 37 (b) would come into effect if trying to make a u-turn as you would be unreasonably obstructing the free movement of traffic. Does that make sense?

[@atiqulny]

Have a trip coming up to Melbourne in April 2024 for a week. Renting a car at MEL Airport. Any driving tips?

[@CRUDEDriving]

Thanks for the comment and question! 🙏🏾 Where will you be staying? Not exact location, but suburb? Also, where are you coming from? General driving tips: ------------------------------- - Keep a safe following time behind other vehicles of 3 seconds in good conditions. Add a few more in wet. *Why? Because you need the time to react and distance to brake. >Video on distance and following time for more clarification: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIeQZ41mjdiLn8k - Keep left where appropriate and where legal and necessary, especially on high speed multi-lane roads. By keep left we mean stay out of the far right lane unless overtaking. You can keep in the far left lane if it's possible and you a travelling straight for a while. - Headlights on low beam will reduce your risk of being involved in a collision (up to you). - At roundabouts we give way to vehicles already in the roundabout, not to the outside right of the roundabout. But, take caution and don't enter if someone is racing towards the roundabout from the outside right as they will likely enter quickly and completely ignore the rule. - Give way means to slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision. - Read the road (markings, etc) and read the signs well ahead, speed limits change constantly! - Be prepared and get on to things early, forward plan. - Drive to the conditions. Melbourne Things: ------------------------------ - Be prepared for lots of traffic Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm. - Sundays are bliss, best day to be out on the roads, most road users are calm and nice. - Road safety cameras are everywhere, for speeding and now seat belts and phones. - Give way to trams before entering their lane if you have to drive down it. - Give way to trams before turning right at a solid green traffic light. - Hook turns are now inner city and CBD, hopefully my video helped if you watched it. - Road works are everywhere. - Left lanes on freeways can tend to turn into a exit to another freeway or main road. - Melbournians drive too close to each other, keep your distance, stay away from packs of close drivers. - We have some strange roads and markings at times that confuses people. - Some speed limits do not suit the road or the conditions and could be higher or lower. - Most people are not doing the speed limit. - Police are big on speeding, drugs and alcohol. I'm sure there is plenty more - do you have any questions?

[@fknracer]

What should i do if i dont have spot in the hook turn area?

[@CRUDEDriving]

1:21 - Before approaching the intersection, if there are already vehicles inside and we cannot fit beyond the pedestrian crossing in-front of us, then we should not enter the intersection and wait back for the next cycle of traffic lights. Hope this helps. :)

[@fknracer]

@@CRUDEDriving if i stayed back, would i be blocking the car behind that wants to turn left

[@fknracer]

Thats my only concern rn after learning how to drive with trams and bus... 😉 will visit from canada next month

[@CRUDEDriving]

@@fknracer yes, you would be blocking the vehicle behind to turn left. But if you were to move up, you would be blocking the pedestrian crossing and would be taking longer to proceed through the intersection to turn right with the other vehicles making the hook turn.

[@CRUDEDriving]

@@fknracer I hope you enjoy your visit. Thank you for watching the video and wanting to know more about the hook turn. If you need anything else, feel free to ask.

[@staryoshi06]

A lot of these intersections look busy enough to justify a dedicated right turn aspect.

[@CRUDEDriving]

Do you mean with a controlled turning arrow?

[@soulsphere9242]

The problem is there is no room for a right turning lane due to the tram tracks. Right turning traffic would still hold up through traffic.

[@CRUDEDriving]

@@soulsphere9242 100%.

[@supaorigamisensei]

So it does have its benefits, But if there’s say 3 or more cars wanting to turn right 2 cars in the intersection, one in the lane at the lights, They will impede left turning traffic correct? In NSW they had done away with hook turns donkeys years ago, Typically for us, we’re not allowed to queue in intersections right turns obviously from right lane as ppl turning left generally don’t impede traffic as at the time they have right of way unless traffic is backlogged once person turning left has gone thru Ppl going straight go straight with no hindrance unless obviously traffic isn’t moving regardless

[@CRUDEDriving]

Yes, they will impede left turning traffic. I guess for the CBD - trams require priority so some of the hook turns allow for that. However, they have introduced hook turns into the Carlton (inner-city) suburb where there are no trams! I'm not sure this was necessary. So far I haven't seen too many issues like left turning traffic being impeded. You mentioned "we're not allowed to queue in intersections", the same applies in Victoria. Thanks for your comment. :)

[@4tune8chance65]

Yeah, nah, too many tourists around these days who will never get this. Stupid idea to have city specific rules.

[@CRUDEDriving]

Tourists would certainly get confused by this. I guess that's where these videos can hopefully help.

[@Xerdoz]

Australia has copied the worst of American city design with hellish suburbs without sidewalks etc. so just get rid of the trams and get more cars. That's the American (and Australian way)

[@CRUDEDriving]

Which suburbs are you referring to, that don't have sidewalks? The Melbourne CBD is becoming more pedestrian and cyclist friendly. If anything, they want cars to stay away from the CBD, and want people to use more public transport. That's the way it seems to be going from what we have seen.

[@BrendanAnderson-fw9ie]

This has to be one of the dumbest things I've ever seen.

[@CRUDEDriving]

👍🏾

[@ImTwirlzy]

what a disaster

[@CRUDEDriving]

Fair enough...

[@boiragirules]

Get controlled right turns..like in Sydney. Moronic govt.

[@CRUDEDriving]

👍🏾

[@soulsphere9242]

Controlled right turn doesn't solve the problem. There is no room for dedicated right-turn lanes and so right turning traffic will still hold up through traffic. It makes matters worse if left turning traffic is holding up the left lane whilst waiting for pedestrians to cross. No one is going through. Hook turns combine turning traffic into one lane which keeps through traffic moving. Smart solution. Too smart for Sydney.