Reading the road

'Reading the road' simply means looking ahead and anticipating what may happen next.

To become really skilful at reading the road you have to be a bit of a detective. You must look for clues and build up a mental picture of what you think may happen next.

Your understanding of what might happen next will be determined by you ability to consider:

• Your location
• The time of day
• The speed and position of other road users
• The weather

An advanced driver is constantly making and reviewing predictions about what might happen ahead, recognising the unfolding story before it happens. "What will the child on the bicycle do next?" "Why is the driver three cars ahead behaving erratically?" "What hazards might be associated with that road sign ahead?".

It is impossible to drive to an advanced standard without developing a keen ability to read the road ahead and anticipate likely situations well in advance.

The information in this unit explores each of the bullet topics above and sets defensive 'targets' for your driving.

If you have not already done so, print and complete your Training Outcomes Worksheet for this unit before going out on your practise drives. We advise that you print separate sheets for different weather conditions as the opportunities arise to practise.

You might also want to print separate Training Achievements Logs following practise drives in different conditions.

Next: Step 2 - Reading the road - Your location...