Question

Difficulty: EasyNavigating Vehicle Blind Spots

You are travelling on a three-lane dual carriageway and plan to move from the middle lane into the left-hand lane. In which chronological order should you carry out these observation and signalling steps?

  1. 1Check the interior rear-view mirror to assess traffic following directly behind.
  2. 2Check the left exterior wing mirror to inspect traffic in the target lane.
  3. 3Glance over your left shoulder to check the blind spot area beside your vehicle.
  4. 4Signal left clearly once you have confirmed the manoeuvre is safe.

Answer

Check the interior rear-view mirror, check the left exterior wing mirror, glance over your left shoulder to check the blind spot, and finally signal left once confirmed safe.
Safe lane changing follows the standard Mirrors-Signal-Manoeuvre routine: start with the interior mirror for general awareness, check the relevant side mirror, perform a shoulder check into the blind spot to detect any unseen road users, and then indicate your intention.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Check the interior rear-view mirror
Assesses following traffic directly behind the vehicle
Provides a true representation of speed and distance of rear traffic before considering any manoeuvre.
2
Check the left exterior wing mirror
Monitors traffic approaching or situated in the destination lane
Identifies vehicles already travelling in or moving towards the intended lane.
3
Glance over the left shoulder
Covers the vehicle's left-side blind spot
Mirrors leave an unmonitored zone alongside the vehicle where small vehicles, motorcycles, or overtaking traffic can be concealed.
4
Signal left
Communicates your clear intention to surrounding road users
Applying the indicator only after completing initial mirror and blind spot checks ensures signals are well-timed and safe.

Key Concept

The Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre (MSM) routine requires thorough mirror checks and a physical shoulder glance to cover vehicle blind spots before signalling and changing lanes.
Estimated Time:45s
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