Reading the road: Ongoing project
This project is ongoing and is designed to further raise your awareness of hazards by developing your ability to plan well ahead, to drive as 'fluently' as possible, to make maximum progress and minimise the need to stop. By 'ongoing' we mean that this way of thinking should become your 'default' defensive approach to driving.
Inability to read the road and plan well ahead (coupled with lack of attention) is possibly the biggest cause of road accidents in this country and indeed around the world and a major factor in all driving test fails - including ADI Part-Two.
Your project targets:
The project worksheets and descriptions are available below. When completing the projects you should be aiming to achieve the following targets.
When driving I never exceed the speed limits.
When asked about speed limits many drivers will openly admit to breaking the limit but they always add "Only when it's safe to do so, of course".
If it were safe to drive at a higher speed there would not be a limit in place. There are arguments for higher national speed limits but as an advanced driver you must accept the law as it stands and abide by it at all times.
Quite often by driving well within the speed limit in built up areas you will create opportunities to proceed which you might otherwise miss (if travelling too fast).
When driving I keep my eyes moving, constantly scanning the road ahead and behind.
Many drivers, either consciously or unconsciously, simply watch the car in front.
In order to plan ahead you need to get as much information about the road and traffic situation as possible.
When driving I always look well ahead for vehicles that are slowing down or pulling out.
When vehicles change their speed and position ahead they will affect you. The earlier that you see this happen the more you can act to minimise the effect.
By looking well ahead and allowing for the 'unexpected' you will not fall into 'traps' such as being caught out by vehicles that move off or turn without signalling - you will spot the clues well in advance..
When driving I always consider the time of day.
As discussed earlier in section, the time of day can have big impact on your driving. perhaps the obvious example is that of children going to and from school, however there are lots of other situations where time of day is critical.
For example, you might need to allow more time for early morning trips through town because of delivery trucks – doing this will save the frustration that comes from being 'late' and which in turn, causes accidents.
When driving I always consider the type of road that I'm driving on.
Remember that different roads have different hazards.
If you normally drive in town, you will need to adopt a different mind set when on country roads.
If you live in a very flat area, you will need to think differently to consider the potential problems that you may encounter if driving on a mountain road.
And so on ...
When driving I always maintain a useful road position and check my mirrors frequently.
Always adopt a road position that enables you to see well ahead. This is particularly important if you are in a strange area and looking out for road signs.
Frequent mirror checks will ensure that you are always ready to change your speed and position to take advantage of changes in the traffic situation.
A typical example would be ensuring that plan your driving so that you never get 'boxed in' behind a large vehicle on a fast moving motorway or dual-carriageway.
When driving I always concentrate on the available space ahead and not the obstructions.
This may seem obvious, but most drivers fail to do it. You should always be looking for space.
Incidentally, looking at obstructions, rather than spaces, is one of the major causes of steering problems and hesitancy in inexperienced drivers.
When driving I always make best use of my acceleration sense.
Acceleration sense is the ability to sense the amount of accelerator pressure needed to propel the car along any given stretch of road.
This ability is perhaps better understood if you think of it as deceleration sense.
For example, if you want to stop on an uphill gradient, acceleration sense would tell you when to take your foot off the gas pedal in order to stop exactly where you want, without needing the brake pedal.
On the open road good acceleration sense is essential for smoothness and balance.
If you have not already done so, develop your acceleration sense by finding a stretch of open country road about 5 to 10 miles long (no give-way or stop junctions) and drive along it as if you have no brakes.
Try to gauge when to come off the gas to slow down for bends, hills and slower moving vehicles ahead. Do not use the gears to slow the car down, change gear only if you need more power for acceleration or stability though bends.
Project
This project is based on the 'speed limit awareness' and 'try not to stop' practise that you have already completed, however we now want you to specifically consider all of the points above and record your progress.
Spend two sessions, each of around 30 minutes duration, continuing with the 'try not to stop' style of driving practised earlier - concentrate on trying to keep your car moving, i.e., planning your drive so that you never get held up at roundabouts, traffic lights, etc.
Your route should include town driving and rural "A" class roads with a reasonable volume of traffic.
With a little practise this can become a 'healthy obsession'. Even in fairly busy traffic you will often be able to drive for five minutes or more without needing to stop (including some junctions where good planning and slow speed will enable you to keep moving safely).
NOTE: This is a planning and speed control exercise. You should never need to accelerate to 'beat' another vehicle in order to avoid a stop.
Next: Eco driving.
