Section 5 - Hazard Awareness Flashcards
what is a hazard?
- a situation that may require you to respond by taking action, such as braking or steering
hazards can be …
-static, such as parked cars, junctions or roundabouts
-moving, such as pedestrians, cyclists, or drivers
-road and weather conditions
- you, if you’re not alert and fit to drive
List static hazards:
- bends
-junctions
-roundabouts
-parked vehicles and obstructions in the road - roadworks
-different types of crossings
traffic lights - be aware that they’re there and slow down and be ready to stop if necessary
at level crossings with traffic light signals, you must …
- stop before the barrier when the red lights are flashing, even if the barrier is not yet down
parked vehicles as a hazard
- in busy areas parked vehicles can cause a hazard, especially if they’re parked badly or illegally eg. on zigzag lines by a pedestrian crossing
-watch out for ..
- children running out between parked vehicles
- vehicle doors opening
-vehicles moving away
Junctions as a hazard
- your view is often reduced at junctions, especially in built up areas eg. towns
-take extra care, pull forward slowly until you can see well into the road - see reflections of traffic in windows of buildings
- make sure not block a junction so that other vehicles can enter and emerge
- when lanes are closed be ready for vehicles cutting in front of you and keep safe distance from the vehicle in front
-at a traffic light-controlled junctions where the lights are not working treat it as an unmarked junction and prepare to stop.
motorways and dual carriageways
- if you’re driving on a motorway or dual carriageway and see a hazard or obstruction ahead,such as a traffic jam, you may use your hazard warning lights briefly to warn traffic behind
breakdowns
- if your vehicle breaks down and is causing an obstruction, switch on your hazard warning lights to warn other users.
moving hazards - motorcyclists, pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders.
Motorcyclists
- look out for motor cyclists when:
-emerging from a junction
-turning into a road onto your RIGHT
-changing lanes or moving out to overtake
moving hazards - Horse Riders
- horses can be unpredictable and spooked, reduce speed and give them plenty of room as you pass
moving hazards - Cyclists
- give them plenty of room, at junctions or traffic lights give them time to pull away or turn
and when travelling in slow traffic, before you turn left, check for cyclists filtering through traffic on your LEFT
moving hazards - Pedestrians
-be patient and do not try to make them rush
What defines a large vehicle?
a large goods vehicle is over 13m long have red and yellow markings at the back of the vehicle
disabled people using powered vehicles
they’re difficult to see and they travel slowly so reduce your speed and be careful
older drivers may not ..
react quickly so be patient with them
self-awareness
make sure you use your mirrors and are aware of what’s going on around you at all times
mirrors may be convex to give a wider field of vision
tiredness
don’t drive if you’re tired, plan ahead, try to stop at least every 2hrs
- open a window so you have plenty of fresh air
-if tired pull over at a safe legal place to rest
-on a motorway leave at the next exit or services
distractions
- hand free phone-set
- loud music
- looking at navigation equipment
- how you’re feeling.
so ..
-turn of your mobile and switch it to voicemail
-before setting up or adjusting navigations find somewhere safe and legal to stop.
-keep music at a reasonable volume
- if upset or angry calm down before you begin to drive
alcohol
never drive if you’ve been drinking alcohol,
alcohol can reduce your concentration, co-ordination and control
- give you a false sense of confidence
- reduce judgement of speed
-slow down your reactions
eyesight
- your eyesight must be of the legal required standard to drive
- if you need to glasses or contacts to drive, you must use wear them every time you drive
