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MSM routine

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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.