ADI Part 2 - Mirror(s)

Use of the Mirrors

The first phase of the hazard routine is the effective use of the mirrors. The word effective has been emphasised, because that's exactly what your mirror checks need to be - effective.

You should ensure that you don't fall into the common trap of glancing towards the mirrors, without actually effectively using them.

This sounds like a fairly obvious statement, but in fact, is far from it.

In our section on advanced observation techniques, we look at the methods we can use to look further and see more. One of the things that needs to be stressed is the important difference between observing and merely looking.

When we observe, we actively search for something that we may or may not find. We also take account of what is actually there, and base our driving decisions upon what we see.

If we merely glance towards the mirrors, "because that's what the SE wants us to do", then we miss out on vital information that could make our driving so much easier.

Instead, think about what hidden dangers there may be and anticipate what might be there, then use the information you do get from your mirror checks to decide on your actions.

As an example, think about a simple left turn at a junction . . . the first phase of the system is mirrors. Now, most trainees will realise the importance of checking the interior mirror first, followed by the nearside (left) door mirror. But why do we do this? Well, we check the interior mirror to get a clear idea of the traffic behind us, and we check the nearside door mirror for any other hazards down the side of the car, such as pedal cyclists and mopeds.

When we drive a car, danger is everywhere. If we don't find it, it will almost certainly find us. So, instead of merely following a routine, actively look for the dangers that may be there, and use the information in your mirrors to help you decide what to do.

As a result of the information you get from your mirrors you may have to change your driving plan a little, or in extreme cases, delay or abandon your actual intended manoeuvre.

Is the car behind a little too close? How will the driver react when you slow down? Is the driver paying attention? Is the driver aware of your presence? What about the vehicle behind that one?

What about that moped you just saw in the nearside mirror? Has the rider seen you? Will the rider try to 'undertake' you, just as you turn? Will the rider be able to see your brake lights or indicators from his or her position in the road?

What will you do to deal with these possibilities?

Take a look at these two photographs. Now you see him, now you don't. Where is he? What will you do?

To get back to our example, we see that the road is clear, follow the rest of our ms-psl routine and make sure that the new road is safe to turn into, then just before we make the left turn we again check our nearside door mirror. This final mirror check is absolutely vital, yet it's one of the very common errors in the ms-psl routine. We have to actively look for what dangers that there may be there, just before we turn. The conditions behind us can change in an instant. Don't get caught out.

So, try to develop the skill of using the mirrors effectively. Actively look for what might be there. Expect danger to be somewhere nearby, because if you don't find the danger, the danger will find you.

ADIT Team.