Mirrors |
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Problem |
Reason |
Solution |
Although you used the
mirrors, you didnt act on what was seen |
Because you didnt know
how to react |
Use the information sensibly
and consider the effect of your manoeuvre on others |
You checked the door mirror
first, rather than the interior mirror |
Because you didnt
realise in which order to check them |
Check the interior mirror
first, as this will give you a life-size image of whats
behind |
You didnt adjust the
exterior mirror(s) correctly |
Maybe youre unsure
about how to do that |
Position the mirror(s)
(explain how) so that you get a good view to the rear and side of the vehicle,
not pointing up to the sky or down to the ground |
You didnt check your
mirrors before signalling/slowing down |
Because you were
concentrating on where to stop |
Use quick glances to check
the mirrors well before signalling |
You didnt check your
mirrors before signalling/slowing down |
Because you didnt want
to take your eyes off the road |
Use quick glances - these
take less than half a second |
You didnt check your
mirrors before signalling/slowing down |
Because you
forgot |
Use the initials MSM to
remind you to check the mirrors |
You didnt check your
mirrors before signalling/slowing down |
Because you didnt
understand the importance of doing so |
Using the mirrors will tell
you what the following traffic is doing / intends to do and how it will affect
you, and vice-versa. |
You didnt check your
mirrors before signalling/slowing down |
Because you looked down at
the foot controls |
Use mirrors before any
manoeuvre - change of speed or direction. Practice using the foot controls
without looking down |
You didnt take a
secondary look in your mirrors |
Because you didnt
realise the importance of doing so |
Take a secondary look in
your Mirrors to make sure following drivers have seen your signal(s) and are
reacting |
You havent adjusted
the mirrors at all |
Because you were leaning
towards / away from the mirror(s) |
Adjust them after assessing
their positioning from your normal seating position, sitting squarely in your
seat, facing the front |
You havent adjusted
the mirrors at all |
Because you did the safety
routine out of sequence |
Adjust the mirrors once your
seat is positioned correctly |
You havent adjusted
the mirrors at all |
Perhaps you
forgot |
Use the sequence DSSSM, say
it to yourself, to ensure you carry out each aspect of the safety
routine |
You havent adjusted
the mirrors at all |
Because you didnt
think they were important |
Check the alignment of the
door mirrors every time you get in the car and adjust as necessary |
You only checked the door
mirror |
Because you didnt
realise the difference between the door mirror and interior mirror |
Use the interior mirror
first door mirrors are usually convex and this will cause things to appear
smaller and further away than they actually are |
Youre not checking
your mirrors often enough I before signalling / changing speed I
direction |
Because youre not
concentrating |
Use the mirrors every 5
seconds, as a general guideline. Say to yourself 1 -2-3-4-5 mirrors
check. As soon as you see a hazard, check the mirrors |
Youre not checking
your mirrors often enough I before signalling / changing speed I
direction |
Because youre afraid
to take your eyes off the road |
Use quick glances. It will
only take half a second or less to check the mirrors |
Youre not checking
your mirrors often enough I before signalling / changing speed I
direction |
Because youre
mesmerised by the hazards in front |
Check the mirrors
immediately you see a hazard, and then keep checking |
Youre not checking
your mirrors often enough I before signalling / changing speed I
direction |
Because-youre unaware
of the reasons for doing so |
Using the mirrors will tell
you about the behaviour of following traffic |
Youre not checking
your mirrors often enough I before signalling / changing speed I
direction |
Because youre unaware
of the consequences of not doing so |
Checking mirrors would
prevent following traffic crashing into you by making you aware of their
closeness and intentions |
Youre not making
effective use of your mirrors |
Because youre not
acting on what you see in them |
Use the information sensibly
and act accordingly (explain) |
Youre not making
effective use of your mirrors |
Because youre checking
mirrors and signalling at the same time |
Check mirrors well before
signalling, as soon as you know youre going to be carrying out a
manoeuvre - any change of speed or direction |
Youre not making
effective use of your mirrors |
Because youre braking
and checking mirrors simultaneously |
Plan your actions; check
mirrors well before braking and consider how you could affect
others |
Youre not making
effective use of your mirrors |
Because youre using
the mirrors too late |
Use the mirrors as soon as
you see the hazard - not several seconds later |
Youre not making
effective use of your mirrors |
Because youre not
using them when you enter a new road |
Use the mirrors as soon as
you are straight in the new road -there may be traffic wanting to / attempting
to overtake you |
Youre not making
effective use of your mirrors |
Because you havent
adjusted them correctly |
Adjust your mirrors before
moving away - use the DSSSM routine to help you remember to set
them |
Youre not making
effective use of your mirrors |
Because youre
showboating, using exaggerated and theatrical head movements |
Use only eye movement to
check the interior mirror. You will, naturally, need to move your head slightly
to check your door mirrors |
Youre not using your
door mirrors (enough) |
Because you felt you
didnt have time |
Begin the MSM sequence
earlier, say, 2 seconds, to give you time to fit in all the checks |
Youre not using your
door mirrors (enough) |
Because you dont
fully, understand the reasons for doing so |
Using the door mirrors will
alert you to vehicles, especially two-wheelers, coming up on either
side |
Youre not using your
door mirrors (enough) |
Because youve been
driving a car without them |
Use the sequence: interior
mirror, door mirror, at least twice before turning left or right |
Youre only using the
door mirrors |
Because youve been
driving a van (or similar) |
Use the sequence: interior
mirror, appropriate door mirror, at least twice before turning left or
right |
Youre staring in the
mirror |
Because youre
mesmerised by following traffic |
Use quick glances,
dont stare; this could cause you to veer off course |
Youre using the
mirrors incorrectly |
Because youre using
the door mirrors first, then the interior one |
Use the interior mirror
first, then the door mirrors. The interior mirror will always give you a
life-size image of following traffic |