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We think that the best people to tell Observation Links Can Help You To See Further
Observation links are one of the key ingredients to developing your anticipation skills.
In simple terms, what we try to do is to look actively and effectively by scanning. We then use the information we get as a clue to what might be about to happen.
Think about this . . . you drive along a busy main road with a cyclist just ahead of you. Suddenly, without warning and without looking, the cyclist veers to the right across the road, just as you are about to go for the overtake. You have to brake sharply to avoid a collision, and the cyclist almost falls off. You then realise that the cyclist is riding into the entrance area of a garage on the right side of the road.
This scenario will be repeated dozens of times every day across the UK. On most occasions, we get away with it. Sometimes, we don't.
It's an unpleasant experience for both of you. Could it have been avoided?
Well, unfortunately it's a common fact that many cyclists, especially children, change course or direction very suddenly and without warning. So, why not expect it to happen before it actually does?
What I mean is, every time you see a cyclist that you may have to overtake, actively scan for any reason why the cyclist may cut across in front of you. Expect it to happen, then look for the reason for it to happen.
What you've done is you've made a mental 'link' between the presence of a cyclist ahead and the very real possibility of the cyclist swerving.
When you see the cyclist, then instinctively look to the right side of the road for any reason that they could swerve, you've effectively anticipated a dangerous situation and can deal with it before it happens.
Of course there are other reasons for cyclists swerving, as I've pointed out in the table below.
Have a look at the following collection of links, see if you'd have thought of any of them before.
| Whilst scanning you see: | What might happen: |
|---|---|
| A cyclist ahead | Cyclist may quickly veer towards a junction or driveway on the
right - so look for them Cyclist may swerve at the last moment for a drain or pothole in the road - scan the road just ahead of the cyclist Cyclist may 'wobble' on a windy day. Expect this to happen |
| A row of dustbins at the roadside | Look out for sharp bends - could be a waste collection vehicle nearby with workers in the road |
| Freshly cut grass on a country road | Tractor or grass cutter just around the next bend |
| Solid white lines in the centre of the carriage way on the approach to a sharp bend, You see they are badly worn with wide tyre markings on them | Look out for vehicles cutting the corner, straddling the lines, especially HGV's. |
| A cross view over fields whilst on a country road, you see rooftops | Speed limits as you enter a village |
| A bus driving ahead of you | Look out for people getting up from their seats - the bus may stop Look for pedestrians on the other side of the road - they may try to run across quickly to catch the bus |
| A bus at a bus stop | It may just pull out on you, be prepared to give way (highway code) Pedestrians stepping out in front of it Pedestrians running across the road to get on it |
| Any vehicle ahead of you you are considering overtaking | Look for junctions, driveways, premises on the right that the vehicle may decide to turn into |
| A cross view over fields whilst on a country road, you see a cluster of lampposts | You are probably heading towards a roundabout |
| A cross view over fields whilst on a country road, you see a vehicle coming quickly from the left or right | Your road will bend sharply just ahead A hidden junction ahead A roundabout ahead |
| A cross view over fields whilst on a country road, you see a large Heavy Goods Vehicle | Other vehicles will be trying to overtake it |
| Whilst on a country road, you see that there is no footpath | Pedestrians or ramblers in the road |
| Whilst on a country road, you see a pedestrian alone | Other pedestrians nearby A dog off the lead |
| A cross view over fields whilst on a country road, you see a line of lampposts, a single lamppost or line of telegraph poles at 90 degrees to you | A junction just ahead |
| A child on the pavement | May run out without notice May run to other children across the road (look for them) |
These are just a sample of the hundreds of observation links that are out there, just waiting for you to find them. Build up a stock of your own. Practice and perfect using them. Get into the habit of scanning effectively, then linking what you can see to what might be about to happen.
ADIT Team
