There is currently an antagonistic attitude between car drivers and cyclists. An attitude of tolerance and consideration must be taught by driver trainers to rectify this situation . A cyclist has no real protection around them and are greatly exposed to injury should an accident occur.
Physical defects in the road surface such as pot holes can be a great danger to those on two wheels. Swerving suddenly to avoid these dangers is commonplace and room should be given to cyclists to allow them to do this. Nervousness and stress when confronted by large vehicles in close proximity can force cyclists to make mistakes resulting in accidents. By giving them room you create a safe margin for error which is essential in any traffic situation. Always stay behind a cyclist, plan ahead and overtake quickly at the correct time. Don't hang around close to them.
Anticipate what will happen next. If a cyclist looks back over their shoulder then you can guess that they move to the right in order to make a turn or to move passed a parked car. Sometimes arm signals will be used by cyclists so keep an eye out for these. Also make sure you give indicator signals in good time so they can be seen by cyclists and acted upon. This is important when turning left with a cyclist on the kerb side. If you are sat still in traffic before turning left always check the door mirror before making the turn.
As they are exposed, cyclists are vulnerable to adverse weather conditions and this needs to be taken into account by car drivers. It can be difficult to empathise when you are sitting in a warm car with the stereo on. Strong winds can make steering difficult on a bike and the blast of air from large vehicles passing too closely can play havoc with steering. Heavy rain can virtually blind cyclists so give them room. Make sure you don't dazzle them with full beam headlights at night.
Driver trainers can help foster an attitude of tolerance from early on in driving lessons which can last throughout the learners entire driving career. Pointing out the difficulties experienced by cyclists and relating it to questions included in the theory test can be useful. As cyclists are encountered during driver training instructors can help learners to anticipate their actions so they can be planned for in advance, creating a safer traffic environment.
Driving Instruction Check Test Criteria – Risk Management
The test of continued fitness to instruct is changing for driving instructors in order to take a more client centred approach. This replaces a system which placed importance on fault finding and demands more direct pupil involvement. Risk management is a main topic in the new version of the test so let's take a look at this.
Teaching Roundabouts on Driving Lessons
Today's roads feature some very busy and complex roundabouts. Multi lane roundabouts with multiple junctions and tight mini roundabouts occur in close proximity to each other. These environments demand a wide range of driving skills. Let's look at what driver trainers need to teach regarding roundabouts.
What are Traffic Light Workshop Schemes?
When a motorist fails to stop at a red light they may opt to take a traffic light workshop course. This replaces endorsement points and a fine. The course is designed to make motorists aware of the danger of failing to stop at red traffic lights and hopefully change driver behaviour.
