The Eyes Have It - Improve Your Observation

If you take 'advanced' training, it’s quite usual to be told that “You must improve your observation”.

The following system (the ‘Smith, Cummings, Sherman visual road search system’) ,with an addtion, will provide some simple, but effective strategies for doing so:

1. AIM HIGH IN STEERING
• "Look where you're going - go where you look."
• Look as far around an approaching corner as possible, you will tend to steer to that point. Look well ahead, check the road surface while it is still in the distance. Motorcyclists tend to spend much of their time looking at the road surface - and not looking for other hazards, especially near junctions.

So...
2. KEEP YOUR EYES MOVING
• Your eyes are the most efficient method you have for gathering information. Keep looking around - avoid becoming fixated on one hazard.

How else can you be aware of what is happening around you?
3. GET THE BIG PICTURE
• Make full use of your peripheral vision.
• Try this exercise: Look at object in centre of wall. While still looking at the object, be aware of everything else on wall.

Other people can cause problems, so...
4. MAKE OTHERS SEE YOU - SEE AND BE SEEN
• Use conspicuity aids, lights, signals, and horn when necessary - but be aware that they may not be noticed - or could be ignored! Use road positioning to your advantage - move out from behind obstacles. Reduce your speed. If in doubt, brake.
• Move through the other driver's field of view, moving objects attract attention – move across the lane width. Look for eye contact.

But if the worst happens...
5. ALWAYS LOOK FOR AN 'OUT'
• Look for an escape route - BEFORE you need it.

6. BE 'LEVEL-HEADED'
• When cornering, keep your eyes level, parallel to the ground. This will help to avoid disorientation.

Extra Points to consider:
• When approaching a hazard try to reduce the amount you have to concentrate on. For example, if a car is about to emerge from a side turning it is unwise to use a lot of your concentration on the road surface - it isn't going to change!
• Slow down! Half the speed gives you twice the amount of thinking time and reduces your braking distance by three-quarters. Reducing your speed by just 10mph will reduce your braking distance by half.
• Cover the brakes. This will reduce your reaction time and help avoid a tendency to 'grab' rather than apply the brakes.


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