Lane discipline
Page 62
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GOOD LANE discipline is an important safety factor in all road driving. Very many accidents are the direct result of drivers being in the wrong lane at the wrong time.
All roads have lanes even when there are no specific markings. It is most important for your learner driver to be taught to think in terms of lanes at all times. He should always be planning ahead to ensure that he is in the correct position for the next manoeuvre and must learn to avoid sudden changes of lane position. You will continue to emphasise the importance of the basic drill of mirror-signal-manoeuvre whenever changing lanes.
The nearside lane should always be used where conditions allow it unless there are road markings or signs indicating otherwise, Think well ahead when changing lanes.
Use your mirrors early and signal in ample time so that other road users are in no doubt about your intentions.
When in your correct lane keep to the middle of it and try to avoid driving close to either of its border lines. It is also important to keep a safe distance away' from the vehicle in front of you, especially in poor weather conditions.
When approaching road junctions, your new driver must learn to watch out for road signs or markings telling him which lane to use. If making a left-hand turn, or going straight ahead, keep to the nearside lane unless otherwise directed.
When turning right, pull out to the left of the centre line in the right-hand lane when it is safe to do so and in good time to perform the manoeuvre. The importance of mirror use and clear signalling cannot be over-emphasised.
Once in the correct lane, encourage your learner to stay in it until it is necessary to change. Good anticipation will help him to avoid needless changes of lane which could result in a dangerous weaving in and out of traffic.
Motorway driving calls for particular attention to lane discipline and your learner driver will need ample practice to become familiar with its special needs. The higher speed of traffic on the motorway demands earlier and more frequent use of mirrors and earlir signalling of manoeuvres. A later article will deal more fully with the subject of motorway driving.
Fog is one of the most dangerous weather conditions drivers have to face and all learner drivers should be carefully taught how to contend with it. Headlights must be used and speed reduced. Make sure the windscreen is kept as clear as possible inside and out by the wipers and demister. Keep well away from the vehicle in front and avoid the temptation to hang on to his comforting rear lights. Overtaking in fog becomes an even more dangerous manoeuvre as the visibility ahead may be diminishing.
On the motorway commercial vehicles should generally remain in the nearside lane in foggy conditions.
• by Frank Lewsey
Mr Lewsey is training adviser, EP Training Services Ltd (Esher 66183).