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Hazard perception in stage two
Learn to interact with other road users on quiet, low-speed roads, using all the skills you developed in stage one.
In this topic
What makes a hazard
Examples of potential hazards in stage two
See, Think, Do
How you get better at hazard perception
Blind spots and head checks
Hidden hazards
Examples of things that hide hazards
Help improve your hazard perception, scanning and concentration skills with Drive Smart
What makes a hazard
A hazard can be anything in your driving environment that could present a danger or risk when you drive.
Examples of potential hazards include:
See
Looking around for potential hazards when you drive helps you develop your ability to see hazards quickly.
You need to look for hazards to know what’s happening or has changed around you when you’re driving.
Looking for hazards includes:
- Looking well ahead, to the side, behind and around your vehicle.
- Checking the road surface.
- Checking your blind spots.
- Looking to the sides of the road for people walking, bike riders and other road users.
- Checking your mirrors regularly, especially before you change speed or position on the road.
Think
After you’ve seen a potential hazard, you need to think about how it may affect you and other roads users.
This means assessing the risk it poses to you and trying to predict what may happen.Thinking about how a hazard may affect your driving situation helps you work out the safest way to respond.
Do
Now that you’ve seen a hazard and anticipated what may happen, you need to respond in a safe way.
The first thing you should do is slow down and create a safe space between your vehicle and the hazard.
This gives you more time to process the situation.
How you get better at hazard perception
It can take years to develop good hazard perception skills.
The best way to get better at hazard perception is to get lots of on-road driving experience.
As you gain experience in a range of situations and environments, you’ll get better at recognising and responding to potential hazards.
After you have gained some on-road driving experience, you can help improve your hazard perception, scanning and concentration skills with TAC’s Drive Smart.
You can also improve your skills with our hazard perception practice test.
Blind spots and head checks
Potential hazards can be anywhere, so you need to rely on more than looking straight ahead and using your mirrors.
Blind spots are areas to the side and behind the car that you can’t see using mirrors.
A head check is when you turn your head and look over your shoulder to see what’s in your blind spot.
Check your blind spot immediately after using your side mirror.
When to use your mirrors
- Always adjust your rear-view and side mirrors after you’ve adjusted your seat.
- Check them before changing your speed or direction.
- Check them before starting a turn or changing lanes.
How to do a head check
- Look over your shoulder and look through the side window to see what’s in your blind spot.
- Before changing lanes or turning, check your side mirror and do a head check before you move.
Hidden hazards
You can’t always clearly see hazards, so keep this in mind when you’re looking for them.
Some examples of things that hide hazards are:
