Hazards
What are Hazards?
A hazard is any situation that might require you to change speed or direction. Hazards can be:
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Static
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Moving
Static Hazards
Static hazards include:
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Bends
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Junctions
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Road narrowings
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Hump bridges
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Road surface changes
To spot static hazards early, look well ahead for clues such as road signs and changes in road conditions.
Moving Hazards
Moving hazards include:
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Other vehicles
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Motorcyclists
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Mobility scooter users
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Cyclists
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Pedestrians
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Horse riders
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Road workers
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People directing traffic
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Loose animals
Once you’ve identified a hazard, assess:
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How to deal with it safely
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How your actions will affect other road users
Allowing Time and Space
Always give yourself enough time and space to deal with what’s ahead.
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Scan both near and far ahead, especially in towns where conditions change quickly
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Check your mirrors often so you’re always aware of what’s behind you
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Watch for clues that suggest something might happen
For example, a parked car becomes a potential hazard if:
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There’s a driver inside, or
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You see exhaust vapour on a cold day (they might pull out or open a door suddenly).
If you can see feet under a parked vehicle, expect a pedestrian to step into the road — they may not see you.
Observation and anticipation are your best defence.
Keep a safe following distance — use the two-second rule in good conditions, and double it (four seconds) when roads are wet or visibility is poor.
Tailgating
If a vehicle is following too closely:
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Ease off the accelerator gradually
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Increase your distance from the vehicle ahead to create a bigger safety margin
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If someone pulls into your gap, drop back again
Large Vehicles
Take extra care near lorries, buses and coaches — especially at roundabouts, junctions and entrances.
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They may swing out before turning left.
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In wet weather, they create heavy spray — increase your distance.
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Never overtake while they’re manoeuvring.
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Stay back to improve your view ahead.
Remember: if you can’t see their mirrors, they can’t see you.
Recognising Hazards
Events can happen quickly and all at once. For example:
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A car might pull out to pass a parked vehicle.
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Another vehicle might be turning, but has left its signal on from earlier.
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A pedestrian might suddenly cross.
If you’re travelling too fast, you won’t have time to react.
The defensive driver is always:
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In the correct position
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At the right speed for conditions
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In the right gear
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Anticipating what’s next
Any action involving a change of speed or direction is a manoeuvre — from a slight slowdown to a major turn.
Approaching Hazards
Follow this every time you approach a hazard:
Mirror(s) – Check what’s behind you.
Signal – Indicate clearly and in good time.
Position – Move into the correct lane or road position early.
Speed – Adjust your speed and gear for safety.
Look – Continuously scan for other dangers before acting.
When lanes narrow or close (for example, at roadworks), move early — don’t cut in last minute.
Country Roads
Rural roads can be beautiful but deadly — they account for around two-thirds of road deaths.
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Reduce speed at bends and junctions — they may hide pedestrians, horses, cyclists, or farm vehicles.
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Entrances to farms or side roads may be hidden or unsigned.
Agricultural Machinery
Large farm vehicles are slow and may need extra space to turn or swing wide.
Stay well back, be patient, and never overtake unless you have a clear view ahead and plenty of room.
Other Road Users
On country roads:
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Expect pedestrians or joggers — leave at least 2 metres when passing.
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Pass horses slowly (maximum 10 mph) and give at least 2 metres of space.
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Only overtake cyclists or horse riders when it’s absolutely safe.
Narrow Roads and Passing Places
On single-track roads:
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Be prepared to stop and use passing places properly.
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Don’t drive onto soft verges.
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If your view is restricted by hedges or bends, slow down.
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Let faster vehicles pass safely.