There May Be Trouble Ahead

Road safety charity the IAM is offering weekly motoring tips from Britain’s top advanced driver, Peter Rodger. This week he is advising on identifying hazards.

Look further ahead so you see things earlier and have more time to deal with them.

Think about what could happen – a side road may have a car in it, a parked lorry may have a pedestrian crossing behind it – anticipate what may develop.

Use road signs and understand their message - junction signs give early notice that a driver may be trying to pull out into your path.

Observe others and what they are doing. Expect and plan for their actions as they develop.

Use your mirrors so that you are aware of who is behind you and what is going on – especially motorcyclists and cyclists.

Hazards include bends and junctions. Expect that there may be a car emerging or a cyclist around the bend, this will allow you enough time to respond safely.

IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: “Hazards can be anything from a tree branch to a child walking along the pavement. Anticipating what other road users might do is key to being prepared and becoming a safer driver.”

To help drivers stay safe this winter, the IAM has launched a new website, drivingadvice.org.uk, with traffic updates, weather forecasts and tips on how to drive safely in winter.

Tips cover rain, snow, ice, fog and wind – everything you can expect in a typically unpredictable British winter. Check it out before you travel.



The IAM is the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving, motorcycling and cycling. The commercial division of the IAM operates through its occupational driver training company IAM Drive & Survive. The IAM has more than 200 local volunteer groups and over 100,000 members in the UK and Ireland. It is best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving, motorcycling and cycling courses. Its policy and research division offers advice and expertise on road safety.