What is a Hazard?

A hazard is any situation which could involve adjusting your speed or changing course.

To identify a hazard you must look well ahead for clues such as:

Roadsigns, parked vehicles, changes in road conditions, junctions, cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, horse riders, animals, roadworks, roundabouts.

Observing What’s Ahead:

A skillful driver constantly watches and interprets what’s happening ahead.

Remember as soon as you’ve recognised a hazard, you must use the mirrors to assess:

• How your actions will affect following traffic.

Allowing time and space:

Always leave yourself enough time and space to cope with what’s ahead:

• Keep your eyes moving
• Look well ahead
• Check regularly on what’s following you
• Watch for clues about what’s going to happen next

Example:

A parked car could spell danger if the driver is sitting in it. If you can see vapour from the exhaust in cold weather, this could indicate:

• A door might open suddenly
• A car might pull out without warning

Do:

Always drive at such a speed that you can stop safely within the distance you can see to be clear.

A good driver will constantly scan the road ahead and to the side and by frequent use of the mirrors, to be aware of the situation behind.

Don’t:

Drive beyond your limits of vision.

Approaching a bend, ask yourself:

1. Can I see the full picture?
2. How sharp is it?
3. Am I in the right position?
4. Is my speed right?
5. What might I meet?
6. Could I stop if I had to?

Approaching a junction, ask yourself:

• Have I seen the whole junction?
• Can other drivers see me?