Safe Driving Behaviour and Hazard Perception
Scanning and anticipation
Safe driving is mostly about seeing hazards before they become emergencies. Use a scanning cycle: look far ahead, check your mirrors, check your blind spot, then back to the road. On narrow island roads, expect the unexpected: a scooter emerging from a side lane, a pedestrian stepping off a kerb, a child chasing a ball, or a vehicle reversing without warning.
The hazard perception habit
Ask yourself continuously: what could happen next, and what would I do? Identify the hazard, decide your response, and act early. A hazard that is developing (a pedestrian at the kerb looking at the road) deserves more attention than a static one (a parked car).
Speed and space
Drive at a speed that lets you stop within the distance you can see to be clear. In rain, on sand-dusted roads, or at night, reduce speed and increase following distance. Keep a safe gap from the vehicle ahead; motorcycles need extra room because they may swerve for potholes.
Distraction and fatigue
Phone use, eating, and arguing with passengers all steal attention. Fatigue slows reaction time and impairs judgement; if you feel drowsy, stop and rest rather than pressing on.
Traps in questions
- "Safe" does not mean "legal minimum speed"; the safe speed depends on conditions.
- A hazard you can see but that is not yet moving still counts; anticipate it.
Rule of thumb
If you cannot stop within the distance you can see to be clear, you are driving too fast for the conditions.