Regardless of your driving experience, you should make the Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre (MSM) routine an integral part of your driving.
Remember this routine
- MIRRORS – check the speed and position of traffic behind you
- SIGNAL – consider whether a signal is necessary. If it is, signal your intention to change course or slow down clearly and in good time
- MANOEUVRE – a manoeuvre is any change of speed or position.
Manoeuvre
This is broken down into
P – Position
S – Speed
L – Look.
Position
Your vehicle must always be in the correct position for the manoeuvre. When a change of direction is required, move into position in good time.
Speed
Ensure that the vehicle is travelling at the appropriate speed and in a suitable gear to complete the manoeuvre safely.
Look
The ‘look’ phase consists of four elements (LADA)
- Looking – What can you see?
- Assessing – What are your options?
- Deciding – Depending on what you see.
- Acting – Either continue or wait.
Using MSM
Always use the MSM routine before
- moving off
- signalling
- changing direction
- turning left or right
- overtaking or changing lanes
- slowing down or stopping.
Never
- signal without checking mirrors first
- rely solely on mirrors when you’re reversing. Keep looking around to watch for other road users
- assume that, because you’ve signalled, you can carry out the intended manoeuvre safely. Check to be sure, because other road users might not
- have seen your signal
- understand your intention.