Reading The Road: Step 3

Reading The Road: Step 3 - Safe Space

1. Advancing Your Driving Skills:
Introduction

2. Reading the road:

1. Introduction
2. Safe Speed
3. Safe Space
4. Location

5. Time
6. Other Road Users
7. All Weather
8. Try Not To Stop!

9. Limit Point
10. Cornering
11. Project

3. Eco Driving:
Overview

4. Sat Nav:
Sat Nav Use

5. Overtaking:
Safe overtaking

6. Dual-Carriageways:
2. Introduction
2. DC v Multi-Lane

7. Motorways:
1. Introduction
2. Smart Motorways
3. Defensive Driving

DRIVING HOME PAGE

Safe space

Any speed is fine - but you need enough space to stop safely. This section is about becoming more 'defensive' as you drive and creating sufficient space for your speed. You'll also be learning to get there quicker by driving slowly (you'll understand this when you master it!).

Most people drive within space margins that are far too tight, the chances are that if you have been an average driver, and the chances are that you have been*, you will almost certainly have had inadequate safety margins at some time when driving.

*Most drivers believe that they are above average - some students reading this will be above average drivers, especially if they have had some sort of advanced driver training, however... Unless you have had training or have started to apply everything that you have been learning in your course so far, the chances are that your is around the average mark. The best way to improve is to recognise and accept your starting point, remember that many ADI driving tests are failed because of very basic 'learner like' errors.

Create more space

We would like you to start monitoring the space around your vehicle and to start considering ways that you can increase your 'safe-space' margins. When you are driving you are at the centre of a constantly moving and changing situation - to make your position as safe as possible you need to create a safety-bubble around your vehicle. This is always within your control.

Example: If the space to the sides of your vehicle is compromised you can slow down to a speed that is safe for the available space.

Example: If the driver behind follows too closely you can extend your forward safety gap to four or six seconds (dry road) - this will allow time for you to control the space and give the driver behind time to stop without crashing into you in an emergency.

The rules for space apply equally to learner and advanced drivers. With this in mind before moving on to the next step visit the DriverActive information about 'The safety bubble' and the SmartDriving information about 'Tailgating' then complete at least two 20 minute practise drives to:

Notice how other people do not create enough space.

Increase the space margins around your vehicle.

In addition to your observations, think about how the following factors may affect the safety gap needed.

Driving when you are tired

Driving when you are unwell

Driving a strange car

Driving in wet weather

Driving in fog

Driving on snow and ice

Driving when preoccupied by personal problems

Driving in a strange place

Driving a car with a full load

Next: Reading the road - Location