Observation is key to safe driving. If you do not see something, how can you possibly react to it? Whilst we may moan about it, like it as not roads are becoming more congested, there are more types of road users than ever before and some roads are in a state of disrepair. Furthermore, we travel in all types of conditions which can affect vehicle performance, handling and characteristics. All these things can have an affect on observation. However, here are some tips to ensure you are conducting your observations in a manner that enables you to be as safe as possible:
Look All Around You
You have mirrors for good reason – use them. Don’t forget ‘mirror, signal manoeuvre’ is the mantra of a safe driver. Having a sense of what is behind and to either side of your vehicle does bring benefits in kind when it comes to making informed, safe decisions on the road.
Don’t Forget Your Blind Spot
It’s called a ‘blind spot’ for a reason – you cannot see what is in that space! Smaller vehicles, people and even street furniture such as bollards can quickly vanish from view. They are still there of course but your inability to see them means increased danger. Look over your shoulder, both shoulders, to ensure you know what is travelling in this space. Note that different vehicles will have different blind spots so don’t assume when you get in a car – do the check.
Use Good Forward Observation
The faster you travel, the less you’ll see into the immediate distance. Scan the near, middle and far distances to observe what is taking place in each of these areas. That way, you’ll not be suddenly surprised when the traffic in front of you is coming to halt for example! Travelling quickly means you must raise your gaze and use this information to travel safely at speed.
Use Indirect Observation Skills
Sometimes, you can get visual cues of what is taking place around you in an indirect fashion. For example, you may be following a left turn and see lights before you see a car in the opposite lane. Alternatively, you may see brake lights through the window of the car in front. Use this form of observation to best effect. This will provide you with information you may otherwise have not considered and once again it will make you safer on the road.
Look Before You Leap
Whether you are moving off or at a junction, observation is the key. It is no surprise that a one of the most common failures during the driving test is incorrect/lack of observation at a junction. Statistically, the rear end shunt is the most common problem – and how does this happen? A simple lack of observation on the part of the driver causing the collision. Another check before moving (or observing earlier on and slowing down sufficiently) would have avoided this crash altogether.
Good observation provides useful information so that safe progress can be made. It allows anticipation of forthcoming events on the road and also provides the basis for making sound judgements on driving. The best drivers will hold superior observation skills and will use them at all times in order to perceive and react to hazards.
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