Module 2: Alertness

Safe driving relies on continuous concentration. Good observation means actively scanning the environment rather than staring ahead passively. Drivers should check mirrors every 5–8 seconds, look far ahead for brake lights or hazards, scan pavements for pedestrians, and check junctions early.

• Look far ahead: anticipate traffic flow, bends, and brake light patterns.
• Use mirrors regularly: build a mental image of what's behind and beside you.
• Scan left–right: especially at junctions and pedestrian-heavy areas.
• Observe clues early: parked cars with running lights, wheels turned, people stepping out.

A consistent scanning routine dramatically reduces missed hazards and helps you stay ahead of danger.

Distractions are one of the most common causes of collisions. Some distractions originate from inside the vehicle, while others come from the surrounding environment. The key is recognising them early and minimising them before they affect your driving.

• Inside distractions: phones, navigation systems, music controls, passengers, eating.
• Outside distractions: billboards, emergency vehicles, roadside events, animals.
• Best practice: set up navigation, mirrors, climate control, and music before moving off.
• If overwhelmed: pull over safely instead of reacting while driving.

Even a two-second distraction at 60 mph means travelling over 50 metres without full awareness — enough to miss developing hazards entirely.

Fatigue slows reaction times, reduces coordination and dramatically affects decision-making. It is a major factor in early-morning and late-night collisions.

• Symptoms: yawning, heavy eyelids, drifting in lane, slower reactions, "zoning out".
• Causes: long journeys, lack of sleep, monotonous roads, dehydration.
• Prevention: rest well, take breaks every 2 hours, avoid driving when tired.
• Never rely on: loud music, cold air, or opening windows — they do not fix fatigue.

If you begin noticing symptoms of tiredness, find a safe place to stop and rest. Continuing to drive while fatigued is extremely dangerous.

Anticipation is a core driving skill. By reading early clues from road users and the environment, you can position yourself safely and avoid sudden reactions.

• A pedestrian looking over their shoulder may be preparing to cross.
• A cyclist wobbling or checking behind them may be about to change direction.
• A vehicle slowing near a junction may turn even without signalling.
• A ball rolling into the road may indicate a child running after it.

The earlier you identify patterns, the more time you have to adjust — reducing risk dramatically.

Situational awareness means understanding what is happening around you, what is likely to happen next, and how you should respond. It's a continuous cycle of observation, prediction, and action.

• Identify potential hazards ahead and behind.
• Predict what each hazard might do.
• Decide whether to slow down, adjust position, or stop.
• Act in time — calmly and early.

Skilled drivers constantly update their mental map of the road, allowing smoother, safer decision-making.

Module 2 Quiz