Moving off and Stopping: Step 5

Unit Three Subject 4 - Moving off and Stopping: Step 5 - Observe

Unit 3 - Basic Skills:
Home page

1 - Show/Tell:
1. Overview

2 - Drivers Eyesight:
1. Introduction
2. Eye checks
3. Eyesight problems
4. Project

3 - Cockpit Drill:
1. Introduction
2. The drill
3. Explanation

4 - Moving off:
1. Introduction
2. The basics
3. POM Introduction
4. Prepare
5. Observe
6. Move
7. Brake tests
8. Stopping
9. Summary
10. Project

5 - Using Gears:
1. Introduction
2. Observation
3. Selective gear changing
4. Smooth changes

6 - Hazard Routine:
1. Introduction
2. Easy starting point
3. Mirrors
4. Signals
5. Manoeuvre
6. Project

7 - Junctions:
1. Introduction
2. Emerging
3. Approaching
4. Approaching right
5. Crossroads
6. Roundabouts

8 - Hills:
1. Introduction
2. Downhill safety
3. Parking
4. Uphill starts
5. Downhill starts

9 - Emergency Stop:
1. Introduction
2. The method
3. Skids
4. The driving test
5. Project

DRIVING HOME PAGE

Part-Two considerations

The important thing to remember here is that you must check that it is safe to proceed before moving, not as you start to move!

Many experienced drivers make some of their observation checks as they start moving. 90% of the time this does not cause a problem and so they slip into a 'late observation' habit. Sometimes they will immediately stop or adjust the way they are moving off - occasionally drivers crash, sometimes fatally. You can make further checks after the car has started to move but these must be extra checks.

Use the six-point-check as an experienced driver otherwise you may miss safe opportunities to proceed. Remember that the examiner is looking for an expert driver, not a very good learner.

Signals: Do you signal out of habit? Check your own driving and make sure that all of your signals are 'considered'.

Blinds spots when moving off (Project)

Checking blind-spots is one of the first things that learner drivers are taught by their instructors, however, many experienced drivers forget this basic rule and rely on mirrors alone.

If you rely solely on mirrors (including 'blind-spot' mirrors) you run the risk of a collision with an unseen vehicle.

There have, sadly, been several tragedies over the years where small children have been killed or seriously injured because the driver did not know that they were in the path of his/her vehicle (either in front or behind).

The bonnet and boot (or rear door) create a blind-spot that can extend for several feet. Anything less than two/three feet high can easily be hidden from view. So... how deeply have you considered the blind-spots in your own vehicle?

This short project is designed to ensure that you have a full appreciation of the areas around your car that are hidden from view when you are sitting in your normal driving position and to raise your awareness of the 'observation strategies' that you currently use to overcome blind spots.

When using the term 'blind-spots' most people are simply referring to the areas not covered by rear-view mirrors, however, these are not the only 'problem areas' for the driver. For example, what limitations does the car's structure pose when emerging at junctions or manoeuvring in a car park?

Download the project sheet below - the project requires you to note the blind-spots in your car and then go for a short drive considering how the blind-spots can create risk. How would carrying passengers present further blind-spot risks?

Note that when you are teaching you will need to be aware of any blind-spots from the instructor's seat, including the fact that learner drivers will block your view to the right, how might you overcome this? Also you will need to be aware that your presence in the car might limit the driver's view to the left.

Before moving on, study the DriverActive information about blind spots and observation.

Next: Step 6, Move

POM: Observation and Blind Spot Project

Part-Two considerations

Blinds spots when moving off (Project)