MSM routine

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.