What is a hazard? A hazard is anything that might make you change speed or direction and sometimes both.
When dealing with any hazard whilst learning to drive you should use a routine such as Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre or MSM.
- Check your mirrors (all of them)
- Signal (use your indicators)
- Manoeuvre
Remember: In reality, sometimes the only signal given by some people is speed and position.
Manoeuvre, this is doing what you need to do and where the below 4 considerations come in.
1.Safety:
This is the most important factor. Remember it’s not just your safety but the safety of the people around you. So think about the 3 Zones of Safety.
2.Legality:
If it’s illegal, it’s dangerous. Are you aware of the signs and lines around you? Do you know what they mean? Do you have reasonable knowledge of The Highway Code?
3.Practicality:
It must be practicable or why bother? How many times have you seen someone trying to get into a parking space that’s too small?
4.Convenience:
Other drivers and people need to be considered, you don’t own the road. Doing a three point turn on a busy road might be quicker for you, but what about everyone else?
