On the move and stopping Flashcards
What does LADA stand for?
Look: what you can see
Assess: what are your options
Decide: Choose the best option after looking
Act: Do what’s best
When should MSPSL be used?
Moving off
Signalling
Changing direction
Turning left / right
Overtaking / changing lanes
Slowing down / stopping
Do not stop your car:
On a bend / corner
Too close to a junction on the left
Not opposite to a junction on the right
On double yellow lines
In a parking prohibited zone like a disabled space
Over someone’s driveway
Anywhere it may cause a danger or obstruction
Do not park:
On the approach to pedestrian crossings
School entrances
Near junctions (either opposite or within 10 metres)
On double yellow lines
On a bend
Anywhere that might prevent access for the emergency services
Anywhere restricted (always remember that different restrictions may apply at different times of day, look for signs for more information.)
When parking
Plan your parking
Manoeuvre slowly
Look out for pedestrians and cyclists
Be careful when opening your door to exit the car, look for motorcycles and cyclists.
Parking facing uphill
Park your car as close as you can to the near side kerb
Leave your steering wheel turned to the right – if your car does roll backwards the kerb will stop the front wheels
If there is no kerb leave your steering wheel turned to the left
Leave your car in first gear with the parking brake firmly applied
Parking facing downhill
Leave your steering wheel turned to the left – if your car does roll forward the kerb will stop the front wheels
Leave your vehicle in reverse gear with the parking brake firmly applied
Changing lanes
Select the lane you require as soon as possible and when it is safe to do so.
Always check your mirrors and if necessary out of your window before changing lanes.
When it is safe to do so, signal and once clear move out in the other lane. Always stay in the middle of your lane until you need to change.
Things to never do when changing lanes
Weave between lanes or change lanes unnecessarily
Drive straddling two lanes
Change lanes at the last minute
Change lanes without signalling
Obstruct keep clear markings
Things to consider when changing lanes
Cyclists riding past you on the left side
Large vehicles that may need to straddle both lanes, especially when turning
Motorcyclists filtering between lanes
Car doors being opened
Pedestrians crossing the road
Road junctions
Always look out for upcoming road junctions and move into the correct lane in plenty of time.
Never try to gain an advantage over other traffic by using the incorrect lane, this can be dangerous for you and other road users.
Road junctions with 2 lanes
if you are turning left – stay in the left hand lane
If you are going straight ahead – stay in the left hand lane unless otherwise indicated
If you are turning right – move to the right hand lane, allowing plenty of time
Road junctions with 3 lanes
if you are turning left – stay in the left hand lane
If you are going straight ahead – usually stay in either the left or middle lanes (always be guided by road markings)
If you are turning right – use the right hand lane
Bends
To drive safely around bends, always look ahead and try to assess:
- how sharp the bend is
- The speed at which you should travel to drive around the bend
- Visibility around the bend
- Weather conditions
On any bend with a restricted view always be prepared for oncoming vehicles, pedestrians on the side of the road, slow moving or broken down vehicles.
Left hand bends
Keep to the centre of your lane.
DO NOT move to the centre of the road to improve your view as this may mean you are too close to oncoming traffic.
Right hand bends
Keep to the left of your lane as this will improve your view
Passing obstructions
Always attempt to plan ahead for any obstructions in the road.
If passing an obstruction always use Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre to let others know what you are planning to do
If an obstruction is on your side of the road then approaching traffic will usually have priority.
If the obstruction is on the other side of the road, always be prepared to give way to oncoming traffic and be aware of the obstruction concealing pedestrians.
What does whether you wait or go at an obstruction depend on?
The type of road
The width of the road
Where the obstruction is on the road
Approaching traffic
What the vehicles in front of you do
The room available to pass
Passing cyclists
When overtaking a cyclist always allow plenty of room.
Allow as much room as if you are overtaking a car.
This allows for the possibility of the cyclist moving out into the road unexpectedly if they need to.
Passing cars on narrow lanes
On narrow or single lane roads, always look well ahead and be prepared to stop
Avoid pulling up on verges or banks as there may be soft ground, ditches or dips.
If your view ahead is restricted by bends or hedges reduce your speed so you can stop safely.
Always give cyclists or horse riders plenty of space, be patient and prepared to stop if necessary. Only overtake when safe to do so.
What to do when you see a car on a narrow road
Pull into a passing place on the left if possible
Be prepared to reverse to a passing place on the left
Wait opposite a passing place on the right
What Qs should you ask when debating whether a signal is needed?
Are there any vehicles who will be affected by me moving off?
Are there any pedestrians / cyclists who could be affected by me moving off?
Timing of signals
Don’t mislead anyone
Depends on speed
Don’t signal:
- When driving past a junction
- Too early / late
Mirrors in the MSM driving routine
Mirrors are often referred to as the third eye.
Their purpose is not just to make you aware of what is happening behind you.
But also to be aware of what might be trying to move round you.
You are affected by what is behind you.
For instance an amber traffic light will mean stop if you can do so safely. But if the car or worse still the lorry behind you is to close it will normally be better to keep going.
Note the other person may be in the wrong but it’s still down to you to avoid the accident.
Another example might be you are in a narrow road and about to give way. Checking your mirror shows another car behind you that would still be blocking the road if you stopped. So you would find a different space.
If you are about to turn and you see that you have a bike to your side it will be safer to wait.
You should use your mirrors every time that you change speed or direction or might have to change speed or direction. So look up ahead, see what’s happening and then check what’s happening behind you.
Most people check out what is going on around them when they are out and about. This might be looking in reflections to see who’s behind them or it could be looking around when going into a strange pub. The point is you check. Do the same in your car.
Having seen something, do something. Give a signal if that helps. Adjust your position or speed if that’s needed. You need to know what is going on around you to be safe!
Types of mirrora
Flat
Convex
Aspheric
Rearview
Side
Flat mirrors
This is a true picture of what you are seeing.
This is the type of mirror you have indoors.
In your vehicle it is your interior mirror.
Convex mirrors
This is curved outwards so it gives a wider field of view. but makes things seem smaller.
It is normally used as an outside or side mirror.
They make vehicles seem further away than they really are.
But they also make the speed of approach of following vehicles seem slower than it actually is
Aspheric mirrors
The surface changes for the purpose of increasing the field of vision.
It will go from flat to convex and these are normally used as a side mirrors.
The flat bit will be nearest the door and give a true picture.
The curved or convex bit will give a wider field of view.
Rear view mirror
This is swivel mounted to allow adjustment to suit the driver.
This will also allow for accidental knocking.
There will also be an anti-dazzle position. If when you look at it, everything seems a bit dark you probably have the anti-dazzle on.
Side mirrors
These are normally situated on the door: or the A pillar of modern cars. But older vehicles would have had them further forward on the wing. Which is why they are sometimes called wing mirrors.
They are spring mounted to allow for being hit by other cars.
Depending on the manufacturer they can be: flat, convex or aspheric.
A vertical line on the mirror will indicate a change of perspective i.e. from flat to convex.
There may also be a warning that vehicles in the mirror are closer than it appears.
