August Classroom Session

Published on 21st August 2023

While we use the same presentation for all our classroom sessions we never know which way the discussions will go!

This time headlight flashing was a topic of interest, with many examples of different uses motorists make of headlight flashing including warning other drivers of speed cameras; to let another driver know they are letting them in; on motorways/dual carriageways to tell the HGV/caravan etc that they are passed their car and can pull in. In reality, headlight flashing only has one legal use, and that is to let other road users know you are there. We should always let the other drivers use their own judgement on whether to pull out etc. HGV drivers are now taught not to flash headlights for any other reason that to let another driver know they are there.

This led to discussion about using hazard waning lights, which should only be used to warn others if we are stationery and causing a potentially dangerous obstruction, or if on a motorway/unrestricted dual carriageway to alert following drivers of a hazard or obstruction ahead. A question was raised about using hazard lights if you are on a smart motorway and your car looses power. However this may confuse other drivers so would be better to use left signal to show you are trying to get across to lane 1.

The final part of the classroom session covers us. How we process information and the things that can impair that information processing. These include poor eyesight, illness, alcohol/drugs, distractions (mobile phones, passengers), long term stress (relationships, work), and short term stress (traffic jams, too hot, late for work). If affected by any of these, try to remove the cause or remove yourself.

While our Observers can encourage skills to improve driving (prediction of what may happen, observation, decision making and using the physical controls of the vehicle), our mental attitude is also key to safer advanced driving. We need a desire and willingness to improve, the ability to self evaluate and an increased awareness of external factors. Clearly all our Associate members are demonstrating the first of these by undertaking the Advanced Driving Course!