Scanning for Hazards - Drive with Bui

Driving isn't just about controlling your vehicle — it's about anticipating what others might do. The best drivers aren't the fastest or most skilled; they're the ones who see trouble coming before it arrives.

Why Scanning Matters

Most collisions happen because drivers weren't paying attention to their surroundings. By constantly scanning your environment — not just the car in front — you give yourself precious seconds to react.

The 12-Second Rule: You should be scanning 12 seconds ahead at all times. This gives you approximately 300 metres of visibility at highway speeds — enough time to spot and respond to hazards.

Common Hazards to Watch For

Reversing Out of Driveways

Every year, children are injured or worse because drivers didn't check their blind spots when reversing. Driveways are particularly dangerous because:

Children can appear suddenly from behind parked cars
Other vehicles on the road may not expect you to reverse
Blind spots are larger when reversing than going forward

Tip: Before reversing, walk around your car to check for children or pets. Use your mirrors and turn your head — cameras don't catch everything.

Children Near Parks and Schools

Children are unpredictable. They might:

Chase a ball into the street without looking
Push each other near traffic
Not understand dangerous traffic situations
Hide behind parked cars or bushes

Warning: Slow to 40km/h in school zones and always scan footpaths for movement, especially near parked cars where children might emerge.

Parked Cars and Opening Doors

"Dooring" — when a car door opens into traffic — causes serious injuries every year. Watch for:

Passengers in parked cars who might exit
Cars with their brake lights on (about to move)
Drivers or passengers who appear distracted

Tip: Give parked cars at least 1 metre clearance when passing. If a passenger looks like they're about to exit, slow down and make eye contact with them.

Pedestrians at Intersections

Drivers often focus on other vehicles and forget to check for pedestrians, especially:

Pedestrians who start crossing when your light turns green
Pedestrians crossing from your blind side when turning
Elderly or mobility-impaired pedestrians who move slowly

Tip: When turning, check your mirrors AND look over your shoulder. A pedestrian in your blind spot could be invisible in mirrors alone.

Cyclists and Motorcyclists

Two-wheeled vehicles can appear quickly and are harder to see. They're also more vulnerable in collisions:

Check blind spots carefully, especially for motorcycles
Give cyclists at least 1.5 metres when passing
Watch for cyclists moving between lanes or filtering

Tip: In heavy traffic, assume there are motorcycles you can't see. Always check twice before changing lanes.

The IPS Scanning Technique

Use this systematic approach to scan your surroundings:

I — Information

Gather information about the road ahead, traffic, signs, and signals.

P — Predict

Predict what other road users might do based on their behaviour and situation.

S — Select

Select your position, speed and gear to avoid or minimise potential danger.

Key Takeaways

✓Scan 12 seconds ahead — look beyond the car in front
✓Check mirrors and blind spots before any manoeuvre
✓Watch for vulnerable road users: children, cyclists, pedestrians
✓Assume other drivers don't see you — drive defensively
✓Never reverse without checking all angles first