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## think about 

You are passing an elementary school. A soccer ball rolls onto the road about half a block ahead. Assess the risk — what is the major risk? Choose the best solution — what would you do? 

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## Steering 

• If I steer onto the right shoulder, can I keep control of the car? 

## Space margins 

• Do I have space to stop safely? Is there space ahead? Space behind? Is there a car behind that might crash into me if I stop suddenly? 

• Do I have enough space to steer onto the shoulder? 

## Communication 

• If I honk the horn, will it help to alert the driver? 

Usually, the solution you choose depends on where the space is. Is there enough space in front? To the side? Space will allow you to get out of the situation safely. 

Some decisions have to be made in seconds. This means you need lots of practice in assessing risk and choosing the best solution. Practise by thinking ahead about what you would do in emergency situations. 

## see-think-do 

Once you’ve assessed the risk and have chosen a solution, you need to use your driving skills to perform the manoeuvre. The “do” step of see‑think‑do involves: 

• speed control 

• steering 

• space margins 

• communication. 

All of your driving manoeuvres will combine these four skills, whether you are driving straight, turning at an intersection or swerving to avoid a hazard. 

## Speed control 

## You in the driver’s seat 

You’re driving along a rural road at 80 km/h. A yellow sign warns there’s a sharp curve ahead. You take your foot off the accelerator and apply the brake to slow down to 30 km/h before the curve. At the midpoint of the curve, you accelerate slightly, and speed up once more on a straight stretch. Then you notice something up ahead which looks like a road construction sign. You take your foot off the accelerator to slow down. 

