Road Safety, Hazard Perception and Defensive Riding
See, think, act
Road safety, hazard perception and defensive riding is about spotting a hazard before it becomes an emergency. The exam tests scanning, positioning, following distance and the assumption that other road users have not seen you.
The scanning system
- Look far ahead - roughly 12 seconds at town speeds - and work back to the vehicle in front.
- Check mirrors every few seconds and before any change of speed or direction; mirror checks do not replace a shoulder check.
- Identify a hazard, decide what you will do, and act early; keep an escape route.
- Use the two-second rule in the dry and at least four seconds in rain; more behind large vehicles.
Hazard hotspots
Junctions are the highest-risk area: a car waiting to emerge may pull out. Reduce speed, cover the brakes, and move to a lane position that makes you visible. Parked cars can open doors; ride outside the door zone. Large vehicles have big blind spots and swing wide when turning - never ride alongside a turning lorry. Watch for pedestrians stepping between cars, cyclists, dogs, gravel, tram rails and wet metal covers.
Worked example
A car is waiting at a side road on your left, its wheels angled slightly out. You are on a 50 km/h road with traffic behind. The defensive response is not to swerve or brake hard at the last moment: ease off the throttle, cover both brakes, move slightly to the right of your lane if it is safe, make eye contact if possible, and be ready to stop. Assume the driver will pull out until the car actually stops.
Group riding and visibility
Ride in staggered formation, not side by side, and leave room for the rider ahead to swerve. Use a dipped headlamp, wear high-visibility clothing, and avoid sitting in blind spots. Never ride when tired or after drinking; fatigue slows scanning and reaction long before you feel sleepy.
Traps
Assuming that because you can see the driver, the driver can see you; tailgating to make progress; overtaking at a zebra crossing; and focusing only on the vehicle immediately ahead instead of the whole scene.