Observation skills when driving a car for new drivers

1. Observe first

Eyes need to be constantly moving while driving to be able to cover a wide field of vision, looking far enough to be able to predict dangers and react promptly. Especially for new drivers who have the habit of looking at close range, they cannot react promptly to dangers ahead.

According to experts, when observing ahead, you should push your eyes far away at a position equivalent to 12 seconds of travel, in the inner city it is about 1 to 3 houses, on the highway about 0.5km, this is the time that drivers can promptly handle unexpected situations.

2. Look both sides

Similar to looking ahead, looking to the sides is also necessary while driving to be aware of what is happening along the sides of the road, especially watching out for cars parked along the road in case the door can open unexpectedly.

- Adjust the left rearview mirror:Tilt your head to the left until your head touches the side of the car, adjust the mirror so that you can now see the entire left rear quadrant of the car, meaning the mirror has a wider view than before.

- Adjust the right rearview mirror:Lean to the right (head between the two front seats), look at the right rearview mirror and adjust it so that you can see the entire right rear quadrant.

2. Look behind

Always look in the rearview mirror to ensure there is enough distance between you and the vehicle behind you when you need to slow down or stop. You should also check the rearview mirror and side mirrors to give way to the vehicle that is about to overtake.

Use your side mirrors whenever you want to change lanes or directions. When entering from the right, use your left mirror to make sure you don’t hit the car coming from behind. Conversely, when entering from the left, use your right mirror and only enter when there is enough space.

3. Observe blind spot space

Even if the car mirrors are adjusted correctly, there are still large areas that the driver cannot see through the mirrors, such as: low spaces below the front view, the sides, or the rear of the car... Among them, the risk from the blind spots on the sides is the greatest.

Some vehicles are equipped with rearview cameras or blind spot warning devices. But they can’t help drivers spot all potential hazards, so get in the habit of turning your head to look.

4.Over the shoulder observation

Whenever you are about to change direction or lane, change position, for example turning left, quickly look to the left to make sure there are no people or cars before turning. Don't forget to check your mirrors or look over your shoulder before opening the door, because at any time, another car or motorbike can come and hit your car door.

* How to observe in some situations

- Reverse:Look around (360 degrees) by using your shoulder, mirrors, and rear window. Be extremely careful when backing out onto the highway. It is easy to overlook children, pets, or pedestrians while backing up. Therefore, it is best for the driver to get out of the car, check the surroundings, and plan the move before proceeding.

- At the intersection:Look ahead as you approach an intersection. Observe and take in signs and signals. Judge the situation to decide whether to stop or not. Near an intersection, glance at the side of the road you will be traveling on: left, center, right, then look back to the left. When you see a car turning left, be careful because the driver may not see you.

- Stop and start again:Before slowing down or stopping, check your rearview mirror to see if there is space for the vehicle behind. After seeing clearly, move your vehicle slowly into the intersection. If your view is blocked, look again before moving.

- Redirect:Look over your shoulder to ensure that your driving range does not block the path of other vehicles. Look across the entire intersection, move the vehicle forward gradually, eyes following the direction of travel.