Note: because this lesson is more complex, it may be a good idea to try it first with a driving instructor.
Aim
- To continually scan for hazards while driving.
- To recognise and be aware of various driving hazards.
- To react appropriately to those hazards by adjusting driving behaviour (such as changing speed or direction).
Situation
A. Parked on the side of the road in a place where various kinds of driving hazards can be seen.
- The coach should tick the hazards they see and ask the driver to point out any hazards they can see.
- The coach should then point out any hazards that were not recognised by the driver.
B. In an area with a range of different road types with a full range of speed limits and potential hazards, including one-way streets, right and left turns, roundabouts, traffic signals, motorways and city driving, lane changing, narrow roads, hills, railway level crossings, schools and shopping areas.
- While driving, the driver should describe aloud the hazards they see and say what they are doing to react to it. For example:
-
- ‘Coming up to a bend. Slowing down, keeping left.’
- ‘Coming up to an intersection with a Stop sign. After stopping, I’m checking. It’s all clear.’
- This lesson should be repeated in different kinds of weather conditions and at night.
The driver should
A. When identifying hazards:
-
- (Coach to tick hazards observed Left, Right, Ahead, Behind or Oncoming.)
| Pedestrians |
L |
R |
A |
|
|
| Vehicles |
L |
R |
A |
B |
O |
| Other hazards |
L |
R |
A |
B |
O |
-
- (Other hazards can include animals, intersections, curves, bends, obstacles such as rocks or tree branches on the road, weather and changing road surfaces.)
- Correctly identify various kinds of hazards.
B. When reacting to hazards:
-
- Scan continually for hazards in front (12 seconds ahead), behind and to the sides (including blind spots).
- Correctly identify various kinds of hazards.
- React appropriately to various kinds of hazards.
- Repeat the tasks at least three times.
