James worked late on Friday and the office was empty when he left. He was tired and wanted to get home to his family for dinner. He put on his seatbelt and checked his mirrors before he started the engine.

At the first traffic light, the light was red. James stopped behind the white line and waited. He did not use his phone because it is illegal to hold a phone while driving. The light turned green and James looked both ways for cyclists before he moved.

He drove to a T junction. He saw the “Give Way” sign and slowed down. He looked right, then left, then right again. A motorbike was coming, so he waited until the road was clear. Then he turned left and joined the main road.

Soon, he came to a roundabout. He used his left indicator to show he was taking the first exit. He remembered the rule: give way to traffic from the right. He also checked his blind spot for bicycles before he entered.

On the main road, the speed limit was 30 miles per hour. James checked his speedometer. He did not want to drive too fast. There were speed cameras ahead, and he knew that breaking the limit could mean a fine and points on his licence. Other cars were close behind him, but he stayed at 30.

It started to rain heavily. James turned on his dipped headlights so other drivers could see him. He also turned on his wipers and slowed down a little more. He doubled the distance between his car and the car in front. On wet roads, stopping takes longer.

He drove past a school. The flashing amber lights showed a 20 miles per hour limit. Children were leaving, so James slowed to 20 and watched carefully. He knew he must not park on the yellow zigzag lines outside the school.

Near his street, he saw a zebra crossing. An old woman was waiting to cross. James stopped before the broken white lines and let her walk across the road. He did not move until she was safely on the pavement. She smiled and waved at him.

A cyclist in front of him was using hand signals. James gave the cyclist lots of space when he overtook. He waited until the other lane was clear and left at least 1.5 metres, as the Highway Code says.

At the next traffic light, it turned amber. James stopped because it was safe to do so. He knew that amber means stop unless it is not safe. He did not go through the red light.

Finally, James turned into his street. He checked his mirrors, used his indicator in good time, and turned. He looked for pedestrians before he turned. He parked outside his house but did not block anyone’s driveway. He also checked that he was not parked on double yellow lines.

He switched off the engine and took off his seatbelt. His wife opened the door. “You are late,” she said. “I know,” said James. “The rain was heavy and I followed all the rules. I am here, and I am safe. That is what matters most.”

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Vocabulary Notes

give way
Meaning: To allow other traffic to go first. In the UK, you must give way at roundabouts and at “Give Way” signs.
Example: “He remembered the rule: give way to traffic from the right.”
Similar words: yield, let pass, give priority
Example sentence: You must give way to buses when they are leaving a bus stop.

speed limit
Meaning: The fastest speed you are legally allowed to drive on a road. It is shown on round signs with numbers.
Example: “On the main road, the speed limit was 30 miles per hour.”
Similar words: speed restriction, maximum speed
Example sentence: If you break the speed limit, you may get a fine and points on your licence.

indicator
Meaning: The flashing light on a car that shows which way you plan to turn. You use it to tell other drivers.
Example: “He used his left indicator to show he was taking the first exit.”
Similar words: turn signal, blinker, signal
Example sentence: Always check your mirrors before you use your indicator.

zebra crossing
Meaning: A place on the road with black and white stripes where pedestrians can cross. Cars must stop if someone is waiting.
Example: “An old woman was waiting to cross. James stopped before the broken white lines and let her walk across the road.”
Similar words: pedestrian crossing, crosswalk
Example sentence: You must not park on the zigzag lines near a zebra crossing.

blind spot
Meaning: An area around your car that you cannot see in your mirrors. You must look over your shoulder to check it.
Example: “He also checked his blind spot for bicycles before he entered.”
Similar words: hidden area, unseen area
Example sentence: Always check your blind spot before you change lanes on the motorway.

Story written by Meta.

Image created by 1min.ai.

CC Music: Drifting at 432 Hz – Unicorn Heads.

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