Position to See and Be Seen

Observation works in two directions. The handbook's observation rules include making sure other road users can see you, and Unit 11 puts a whole figure on it: position to see and be seen.

Positioning to see. Where you sit in the lane changes what you can see. Sitting a little back from the vehicle ahead lets you see past it, to the road beyond, to the brake lights further up, to the pedestrian about to cross in front of it. Tucked right behind a lorry, all you can see is the lorry.

Positioning to be seen. Other drivers can only avoid you if they know you are there:

• Stay out of other vehicles' blind spots. Don't sit alongside a lorry's rear quarter. A working rule (⚠ field-constructed): if you can't see the driver's face in their mirror, they can't see you.
• Use your lights. The handbook advises that if your vehicle has no daytime running lights, drive with low beams on at all times, especially on dark or overcast days.
• Signal in good time, so your intention is visible before your movement.

Eye contact. The Swedish Theory Book's advice is to seek eye contact with pedestrians and with drivers crossing your path. It is the fastest way to confirm you've been seen. But it adds a caution: don't wave a pedestrian across. They may relax and step out in front of a vehicle in the next lane that has no intention of stopping. Show that you are giving way by slowing and stopping in good time, and leave the decision to cross to them.