In order to avoid last minute moves, you should look down the road 10 to 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle. A driver needs to look that far ahead to see hazards early. Constantly staring at the road just in front of your car is dangerous.

12 to 15 seconds

What is the equivalent distance to looking 15 20 seconds ahead? Many drivers focus on the road only 5 or 8 seconds ahead. You should be looking about 15-20 seconds ahead of your vehicle, farther if you can. This gives you the time to recognize and avoid most potential hazards before they become a problem.

In a suburban area, you should look at least three blocks or three traffic signals ahead. In a rural area, you should look at least a quarter of a mile ahead. When looking well ahead, look for vehicles coming onto the roadway, into your lane, or turning. Watch for brake lights from slowing vehicles.

What are two main things to look for ahead? Look for traffic: Vehicles coming onto the highway, into our lane, or turning. Watch for break lights from slowing vehicles. Look for road conditions.

Proper Scanning: A general rule of thumb is to scan ahead 12-15 seconds in all environments, 1-11⁄2 blocks in city environments and 1⁄4 mile in highway environments. Blind spots and mirrors should be checked every 3-5 seconds before and after changing lanes.

The most common mistake that drivers make when backing up is failing to look both ways behind them. Mirrors do not give you a full view. To see as much as possible, turn your body and head to the right and look out through the rear window.

In order to avoid last minute moves and spot possible traffic hazards, you should always look down the road ahead of your vehicle. When you are looking far enough ahead in your travel path, you will be able to spot hazards early and you will be well-prepared to react to them.

every five seconds

Sometimes there will be dangers on both sides of the road at the same time. For example, there will be parked cars on the right and oncoming cars to the left. In this case, the best thing to do is “split the difference.” Steer a middle course between the oncoming cars and parked cars.

Turning right: Check the interior mirror to see what is behind you before turning, then your right door mirror. You should also check your interior mirror once you have performed the manoeuvre. Slowing down/Stopping: Check your interior mirror to see what is behind you before slowing down or stopping.

All American drivers have invariably been taught to signal then check the mirror, but as the above paragraphs show, this method can, and frequently does, cause at least anger and in many cases danger — whether from collisions or road rage.

Explanation: If you want to turn your car around, try to find a place where you have good all-round vision. If this isn’t possible, and you’re unable to see clearly, then get someone to guide you.

Before changing lanes, signal, look in all your mirrors, and look over your left or right shoulder to make sure the lane next to you is clear. Looking over your shoulder is a way to check your blind spot to be sure there is no vehicle, motorcycle, or bicycle traffic in the next lane.

CHECKING YOUR BLIND SPOTS WHILE DRIVING Whenever you’re changing lanes, merging, or leaving a parking lot, you should always look over your shoulder. In parking lots, neglected blind spots are a major cause of accidents from drivers who are in a rush to leave and don’t check them.