Alertness

Why is being alert to what is going on around you vital?

To help avoid dangerous situations.

What can happen around you that has the potential to cause dangerous situations?

Other road users, pedestrians, signs and road markings etc.

What should you do to assess the changing situations as you drive?

Keep scanning the road ahead, behind and to the sides.

What should you do before you move off? 

Use your mirrors to check how your actions will affect traffic behind you. Look around for a final check, including checking the blind spots around your car. Signal, if necessary.

(MBS)

What are blind spots?

Any areas that are hidden from the driver either by the cars bodywork or areas not covered by mirrors.

If you cant see behind you when reversing

Ask someone to guide you to make sure that you reverse safely.

If your view is blocked by parked cars when coming out of a junction

Move forward slowly and carefully until you have a clear view.

What is a junction?

The point where 2 or more roads meet, used to control traffic. 

What is important when overtaking?

Observation - make sure you can see the road ahead clearly

What should you be observant of when overtaking?

Oncoming vehicles, junctions, narrowing, bends or dips in the roads, signs which state you should not overtake.

What should you check for before you overtake?

That it is safe, legal and necessary and you have enough time to complete the overtaking manouvere.

What should you do to alert another vehicle you are there

Switch on lights when it starts to get dark. 

Approaching a hump bridge use your horn. 

If you are following a large veichle

Stay well back so the driver can see you in their mirrors, especially useful if you are planning to overtake.

Anticipation

Can help you avoid problems and incidents so that you can drive more safely.

What does a give way sign mean

There is a junction ahead so you can slow down in good time.

What do rectangle signs do?

Give information 

What do circle signs do? 

Give orders

What do triangle signs do?

Give warnings

What to do when turning right onto a dual carriageway

Check that the central reservation is wide enough for your vehicle to stop in, especially if you are towing.

In case you have to wait before joining the traffic, if there is not enough space for your vehicle, only emerge when its clear both right and left.

Dual carriageway

A road that has a central reservation to separate the carriageway.

Central reservation

An area of land thar separates opposing lanes of traffic. 

What should you do when you’re approaching traffic lights that have been green for some time? 

Be prepared to stop. 

Road conditions will affect how easy it is to anticipate what might happen, what makes this more difficult

When you’re not familiar with the route, poor weather/lighting, heavy traffic volume. visual obstruction. 

Anticipating what other road users might do

Watch other road users, try to anticipate their actions so that you’re ready if you need to slow down or change direction.

Anticipating pedestrians

Approaching a crossing especially more time for young, elderly or disabled people who may need more time. 

Anticipating cyclists

Leave at least 1.5m of space when overtaking up to 30mph.

Anticipating motorcyclists 

May have visual obstructions. 

Anticipating horses

May be started by the noise of a vehicle - pass a speed of under 10mph leaving at least 2m of space. 

Being prepared to stop in an emergency

Keep both hands on the wheel as you brake to help keep control of the vehicle.

If ABS is fitted it activates automatically, preventing wheels from locking so that you can steer whilst braking. 

Why is it important to stay focussed when driving

As well as controlling the car, you need to be aware of what’s happening on the road and what could happen next.

Why should you always plan your journey?

So you know which route to take and can have regular rest stops.

Avoiding tiredness

Do not drive continuously for more than 2 hours, keep fresh circulating air.

What should you do if you feel tired?

Stop in a safe place e.g., service station or a safe place NOT in an emergency area/hard shoulder unless its an emergency.

When should you programme your navigation system?

In a safe place before driving.

There are objects hanging from your interior mirror, why could this be a hazard?

Your view could get obstructed.

What should you not be if you are fit to drive?

Too tired, ill, emotional, under the influence, free of distraction, awareness of what is around you and driving at such a speed that you can always stop the car in the clear space ahead of you. 

Things to understand 

How a poor seating position/posture can make you tired, how to deal with distracting passengers, some cars have large pillars, how to read the road ahead and prepare for the unexpected.

What should you do before making a u turn?

Slow down and ensure the road is clear in both directions. Make sure the road is wide enough to carry out the manoeuvre safely, use your mirrors and look round to check its safe before turning across the road.