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When learning to drive one of the key skills to develop that will keep you, and others, safe on the road is hazard perception. The types of hazards you may come across will vary depending on where you’re driving, but the obvious description of a hazard is something that is potentially dangerous that could cause a risk to yourself as a driver and to other road users. Having acute hazard perception skills means that you are able to take the necessary action when you see a hazard – either slowing down, stopping or changing direction.
In this article we will take you through potential hazards that you are likely to come across as a driver, the states a hazard goes through and how to deal with a hazard. We also give you a heads up as to what type of hazards you can expect on the hazard perception test part of your driving theory test.
Types of Hazards
While hazards will vary depending on where you are driving the most common hazards a driver is likely to come across are:
- Doors opening on parked cars
- Pedestrians crossing the road
- Children running out into the road
- Cars coming out of junctions
- Cyclists and motorcyclists
- Animals in the road
- Bends in the road
- Bin lorries that may be blocking the road
States of a Hazard
As a good driver, you should be looking out for hazards at all times and be able to respond safely whatever state the hazard is in. It is important to understand that hazards come in different states, with the three different states being: a potential hazard, a developing hazard, and an actual hazard.
Let’s take a look at each of these stages in more detail.
Potential Hazard
As the name suggests, a potential hazard is something that might develop and turn into a hazard. When you notice the potential hazard it won’t pose a risk at that moment, but needs monitoring and keeping an eye on so that you are ready to respond should the hazard develop.
An example of a potential hazard is spotting a pedestrian walking along the road you are driving on who may at any time try to cross the road. Or you may be driving in an area where there is a zebra crossing, so you may be required to stop at the crossing should a pedestrian which to cross it. Another type of potential hazard is if you are driving around a residential area and there could be children playing in the street who could, potentially, run out into the road.
Keeping an eye out for potential hazards will go a long way to help you become a good and safe driver, and help you to respond quicker if the hazard develops. It is important to note here that you won’t score any points for clicking on potential hazards in your driving theory test – only hazards that are developing.
Developing Hazard
Next on to the developing hazard. This is the situation where the hazard is much closer to being an actual hazard that you need to prepare to respond to. To refer back to the example given above, the pedestrian that you see walking along the street becomes a developing hazard when they start to walk towards the zebra crossing – in this situation both the pedestrian and the zebra crossing are a developing hazard.
In this scenario, with the hazard developing, prepare for the hazard by checking in your mirrors to be aware of what is happening behind and around you on the road. In the hazard perception test, you will be assessed on your ability to spot developing hazards, you can indicate that you have spotted a developing hazard by clicking your mouse at the moment you would check your mirrors when driving. The quicker you spot a developing hazard, the more points you score.
Actual Hazard
When the situation becomes an actual hazard, this is where you need to either stop the car, slow down or change direction in order to avoid the hazard and prevent an accident occurring. Using our example again, this situation becomes an actual hazard when the pedestrian steps onto the zebra crossing and you need to stop the car to allow them to cross. This pedestrian is now an actual hazard.
In the hazard perception test clicking the mouse at this point is too late, and could result in either low points or a zero score for that particular hazard. Make sure you identify the hazard when it is developing and before it becomes an actual hazard, as you would when driving.
Handling Bends in the Road
Here we will explore a very specific hazard that you will come across often – bends in the road. As you don’t know what is around the corner on the bend, extra caution needs to be taken in these situations.
If you are approaching a sharp bend there should be a road sign to notify you of this, like the one below.
In this situation, you need to prepare for this hazard by using the Mirrors Signal Position Speed Look (MSPSL) routine to make your way around the bend safely.
Mirrors: to check for other road users and get an idea of their position and speed make sure you check your interior mirror and the mirror that corresponds with the direction of the bend.
Signal: on a bend slowing down is essential so your brake light will be the signal that signifies your speed is reducing to other drivers.
Position: to ensure you get the best view around the bend, position yourself in the normal driving position if going around a left-hand bend, and for a right-hand bend position yourself more to the left.
Speed: slow down as you approach the bend so you are at a safe speed to get around it – braking should be avoided when actually on the bend. Only accelerate after you have come off the bend to avoid skidding.
Look: keep your eyes peeled for potential hazards in the road, such as pedestrians or cars that might be overtaking from the opposite direction and be on your side of the road (even though they shouldn’t be doing this near a bend in the road). Keep a safe speed so that you can stop if you need to.
Handling your Car on Bends
The condition of your car, the weather and the amount of weight in your car can all affect the handling of your vehicle on a bend so make sure you are tuned into these changes and prepare accordingly.
Make sure you keep your tyres in good condition as flat or worn tyres give you less grip on a bend. If you have extra weight in your car – such as lots of luggage on board or more passengers than usual – this can affect the steer of the vehicle. Check the road conditions as rain can make it easier to skid on a bend, as can a slippery road surface. As always, make sure that you as a driver are well enough to drive and are fit enough to handle bends in a road that you come across – full control is always needed.
Conclusion
Being aware of potential, developing, and actual hazards are, undoubtedly, essential skills in driving to keep you and others safe on the road. Fine-tuning your awareness skills as you drive will keep you notified of potential hazards around you and give you time to act accordingly. In the hazard perception test, you will be tested on your ability to spot developing hazards to give the examiner an idea of how your hazard perception skills are as a driver – make sure you spot these as early as possible to score maximum points.