Lines
Take different lines to:
- Maximise clearance from hazards
- Straighten corners as much as possible
- Allow the best sight lines around blind corners and large vehicles
- Let tailgaters pass in a line of traffic
- Use the driest, safest wheel track.
Dominate your lane
‘Give him an inch and he’ll take a mile’ seems to have been taken to heart by many car drivers. So you need to dominate your lane by riding in the right wheel track of cars, thereby preventing them from driving beside you or forcing you off the road.
If a larger vehicle following shows signs of driving on your left in a line of traffic, simply take up the central position in your lane to avoid being forced into the oncoming lane.
Stay clear of hazards
- Keep well left when approaching oncoming vehicles on highways - if anyone pulls out to pass there will still be room to avoid a head-on collision.
- Assume oncoming vehicles will cut a left-hand bend you are approaching and adjust your own cornering line to suit. With its wide entry, the racing-line should be used only when the road is completely clear.
- Watch what the vehicle at least two ahead is doing for early warning of any dramatic speed changes. This will enable you to brake earlier, reducing the risk of both heavy braking and being rammed from behind.
- When approaching T intersections or left side-roads move towards the centreline. For right side-roads move left. You can see into the junction more and you are more conspicuous to drivers waiting to turn out.
- Keep well left when approaching blind right hand bends to maximise your vision around the corner (and vice versa for left hand ones).
