Hazard Awareness Flashcards
Large road users
They take up more space & block more of your view
Low arched bridge
Large vehicles will have to move over to the middle of the road
Be prepared to stop and give way
Driving behind a large vehicle in the rain
You should leave a 4 second gap and be aware of spray
School buses
They might stop more often
Reduce your speed when following them
Watch out for children
Smaller road users
Cyclists
Motorcyclists
Mobility scooters
pedestrians
Cyclists
left arm - left
right arm - right
Allow cyclists to pull away before you and allow plenty of room
Stopping distances
In dry weather leave a 2 second gap between you and the vehicle in front
In wet weather leave a 4 second gap
Zebra crossings
Always wait and give way to pedestrians
Elderly drivers
Have slower reactions
Always be patient
And leave a longer gap
Alcohol can…
1) Slow down reactions
2) Reduce co-ordination and concentration levels
3) Alter judgement of speed
4) Give you a false sense of increased confidence
Convictions
If you’re convicted of driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you will be banned from driving and will have a criminal record. You could also be fined!
If you’re allowed to drive again, your Insurance premiums will increase
Illness
Always check labels or ask a doctor how medicine can affect your driving ability.
Notify the DVLA if you suffer ill health that affects your driving ability
Wearing glasses
If you require glasses to read number plates at the required distance, you must wear them whilst driving
DO NOT wear tinted glasses at night
Concentration
Never use a mobile phone whilst driving as it will distract you from what is happening around you
Listening to music, looking at a map, and feeling tired will also distract you from the road
Lane closures
Black rectangle, with red X in middle and red circles in each corner flashing
DO NOT travel in lanes when this sign is displayed on the gantry
Leaving an indicator on
Keep well back from the vehicle
NEVER make assumptions as to what the driver will do
Turn on hazard warning lights if…
You have broken down
You have caused an obstruction
You have to brake quickly due to a hazard ahead
Amber flashing beacon vehicles
Tend to be slow moving
You need to give them space and slow down when passing them
If you see an arrow on the back pass the vehicle on the side its pointing too
School crossing warning lights
- Be wary of children
- Be aware as a lollipop man or lady may stop the traffic for children to cross
Traffic light failure
Police may get involved and use arm signals
Parking on a zebra crossing
The zig-zag lines must be kept clear at all times to allow pedestrians to see and be seen
Rules for a provisional license holder
They cannot drive on their own
The vehicle must have ‘L’ plates on it
They must NOT travel on motorways
Curved mirrors
Curved mirrors give you a wider field of vision
Speed humps
They are a traffic calming measure, so you’ll need to travel at a reduced speed
Chicanes
Also a traffic calming measure, used to slow traffic down
Signs on a skip and large goods vehicles
Yellow and red stripes are visible to make it easier to see the hazard, especially at night
Taking a wrong turn
DO NOT reverse or turn around on a one way road
Sharp bends
Slow down in good time
Late braking can cause your vehicle to skid
Level crossings
The first warning sign of a train is a steady amber light, the lights will soon after flash red
Roadworks
Slow down and look out for any other signs that might inform you of a temporary speed limit or that advise you of lane closures
Road markings
Place names or road names are often painted on the road at busy or complex junctions to give you advance warning, so you can change lanes in good time, and do it more safely
overtaking
When overtaking make sure you are clear of any junctions, as you might move into the path of a vehicle turning out of it
DO NOT overtake if:
Your view of the road ahead is blocked
You’re turning left shortly afterwards
You’re approaching a dip in the road
A 2 way road with an overtaking lane
Both sides can use the middle lane for overtaking
Check for traffic moving towards you in the middle lane, and for traffic that might be about to move into it
Built up area with no footpath
Reduce your speed and allow extra room
Someone pulling out in front of you
Use your horn to alert them of your presence and be prepared to stop
Staggered junctions
Reduce your speed and be prepared for vehicles emerging or turning off
Keeping junctions clear
This will allow traffic to turn in, and traffic to emerge from the junction
It allows access for emergency vehicles if they need to get through in a hurry
Driving down a road with parked cars
Be aware of…
pedestrians
children
car doors opening
and cars pulling out
Blind or restricted junctions
Creep and peep
Automatic cars
The kick down button is located underneath the accelerator. So when you push the pedal to the floor a lower gear will automatically be selected
