Hiya,
If you are continuing on the carriageway, past the side turning, a glance from a distance is just part of the general observation of driving you are not necessarily required to look into the junction as you pass it, unless you feel it is required.
If you are turning in to the junction look for hazards, pedestrians, parked cars, skips etc to ensure it is safe to proceed, if its not slow or stop as is required.
Ozzie, 23 years a driving instrutor