Observation and Scanning

Defensive driving means driving so as to avoid collisions regardless of the actions of others and the conditions. Its foundation is seeing problems early enough to respond gently rather than dramatically.

Look further ahead

Most drivers look at the vehicle immediately in front. Effective observation extends much further — 12 to 15 seconds ahead in urban driving, further at speed — so that braking, parked cars, queues and road layout changes are seen while there is still time to respond smoothly. A driver who is braking suddenly is a driver who did not look far enough ahead.

Scan rather than stare

• Move the eyes continuously: far ahead, near, mirrors, instruments, then far ahead again.
• Check mirrors every 5 to 8 seconds and before every change of speed, direction or position.
• Look through the vehicle in front where possible — through its windows to the vehicle beyond.
• Use reflections in shop windows and parked vehicles at junctions with restricted visibility.
• Actively check blind spots by turning the head, not just glancing at the mirror.

Read the road

Road surface, markings, signs, street furniture, the pattern of parked cars, and the behaviour of other traffic all give advance information. Brake lights several vehicles ahead, a queue on the opposite carriageway, a bus at a stop, a ball bouncing into the road — each predicts what is about to happen.