Scanning for hazards

It’s important you know how to spot hazards and react to them in the right way. It will keep you and other road users safe.

Where should you practise this?

Start by sitting in the front passenger seat and calling out the hazards you see as your coach is driving. When you're confident doing that, do the same thing while you’re doing the driving.

What are hazards?

A hazard is something on or near the road that could potentially cause harm or lead to a crash. Examples of obvious hazards include:

• people crossing the road
• cars coming out of driveways
• people on bikes
• potholes in the road
• roadworks ahead.

There are also hidden hazards, which are harder to spot and more likely to cause a crash. Examples of these include:

• cars parked on the side of the road, where somebody could get out without warning
• vehicles blocking your view of a driveway where a car could come out
• a truck or bus in front of view blocking your view of side roads
• a park or playground where a child could run out onto the road.

The hazard action plan

• identify potential hazards that could affect you
• predict how the hazard might develop
• decide what action to take
• act on your decision.

At first you might need to actively think about each step in the hazard action plan. With time and experience it will become second nature, and you’ll do it without even thinking about it.