Effective Scanning – Enhancing Safety on Australian Roads

Australia’s sprawling roads offer breathtaking scenery but present unique challenges. With traffic congestion in cities like Sydney and vast stretches of unpopulated roads in the outback, effective scanning skills when driving is a crucial talent that cannot be overlooked. In this blog, we will delve into the importance of scanning when driving and provide insights into crash statistics in Australia. We will also detail how Learn Drive Survive® driving school can help educate learner drivers about effective scanning and observation skills.

Understanding Effective Scanning While Driving

Scanning, in the context of driving, refers to the act of visually surveying the road and its surroundings to gather information about potential hazards, other vehicles, and road conditions. It involves looking ahead, to the sides, and in the mirrors to build a comprehensive picture of the driving environment. Effective scanning is more than a quick glance in the rearview mirror. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or a novice behind the wheel, it’s vital to recognise the importance of effective vision in preventing crashes.

The Significance of Effective Scanning and Observation Skills

Scanning and observation skills play an important role in preventing crashes and ensuring road safety. By actively scanning the road ahead, drivers can identify potential hazards, such as pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles, and take appropriate actions to avoid collisions. Observation skills, including the use of mirrors and checking blind spots, help drivers stay aware of their surroundings and make informed decisions on the road. As a driver, there’s nothing more crucial than ensuring your safety and the safety of others on the road. Driving is a complex task that requires constant attention and awareness of the surrounding environment.

Three Key Components of Scanning

1. Regular Mirror Checks: Regular checks of your rearview and side mirrors provide information about the traffic behind you, helping you anticipate their actions.
2. Look Far Ahead: Observation should include scanning at least 12-15 seconds ahead. This habit allows the detection of potential hazards early and provides time to react.
3. Scanning Intersections: Intersections are common crash hotspots. Proper observation and anticipation at intersections reduce the risk of collisions.

This is How Effective Scanning Can Prevent Crashes

• Early hazard detection: By scanning the road ahead, drivers can identify potential hazards well in advance, allowing them to react promptly and avoid dangerous situations.
• Anticipating the actions of others: Effective observation skills enable drivers to anticipate the actions of other road users, such as sudden lane changes or pedestrians crossing the road. This anticipation helps drivers adjust their driving behavior accordingly.
• Maintaining safe following distances: By continuously scanning the road ahead and observing the movements of other vehicles, drivers can maintain a safe following distance, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions.
• Enhancing situational awareness: Scanning and observation skills contribute to overall situational awareness, allowing drivers to make informed decisions based on the current road conditions and potential hazards.
• Prevents tunnel vision: Scanning helps prevent tunnel vision, which can isolate drivers from what is happening in the distance and around their vehicle. By scanning, drivers can maintain situational awareness and identify potential hazards before they become a problem.
• Builds a picture of the driving environment: Scanning involves looking ahead, to the sides, and in the mirrors to build a comprehensive picture of the driving environment. By doing so, drivers can anticipate the actions of other road users and make informed decisions based on the current road conditions. 

Crash Statistics in Australia

In 2019, the Australian Road Deaths Database reported that 1,195 lives were lost on Australian roads, with many of these crashes linked to failures in observation and judgement. In addition, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals that learner drivers comprise a significant number of road crashes every year, making driving lessons focusing on scanning and observation essential for this demographic. Understanding crash statistics is essential for highlighting the importance of effective scanning and observation skills. Here are some crash statistics specific to Australia:

• In 2022, Australia recorded 1,194 road crash deaths.
• Drivers aged 17-25 are overrepresented in fatal crashes, accounting for 25% of all drivers killed in road crashes in 2020.
• Approximately 20% of all serious injuries on Australian roads involve drivers aged 17-25.

These statistics emphasise the need for comprehensive driver education programs that focus on developing effective scanning and observation skills among young drivers.

How Can Drivers Practice Scanning When Driving

Practicing effective scanning techniques is essential for safe driving. By constantly moving your eyes and/or head, looking far down the road, checking mirrors regularly, using peripheral vision, turning to check blind spots, and taking in the whole scene, you are technically scanning the environment. But make sure that you are actually taking in what is happening around you.

Learn Drive Survive® – Educating Learner Drivers

Learn Drive Survive® is a renowned driving school in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Hunter, Central Coast and Sydney. Learn Drive Survive prioritises the development of safe driving skills, including effective scanning techniques. Their experienced driver trainers impart valuable knowledge and practical training to learner drivers, equipping them with the necessary skills to navigate Australian roads safely. 

Learn Drive Survive® – Your Partner in Road Safety

Learn Drive Survive® is a leading driving school that understands the importance of scanning and observation when operating a vehicle. Here’s a how we can help:

1. Customised Driving Lessons: Learn Drive Survive® offers tailored lessons focusing on scanning, observation, and other critical driving skills, catering to individual needs and driving experiences.
2. Qualified Instructors: Learn Drive Survive® only employs experienced and skilled instructors who have extensive experience in driver training. Each trainer must be well versed Australia road rules and the importance of effective scanning skills when driving.
3. Real-Life Practice: With real-world driving scenarios, Learn Drive Survive® ensures that learners gain the confidence and skills necessary to become safe and competent drivers.
4. Safer Drivers Course: One of the notable safe driving programs delivered by Learn Drive Survive®, is the NSW Safer Drivers Course. By participating in this course, learner drivers gain valuable insights into effective scanning techniques, enabling them to identify potential hazards and make informed decisions on the road.

Learn Drive Survive® focuses on teaching low-risk driving choices, emphasising the importance of scanning and observation skills to enhance road safety. Their comprehensive approach to driver education ensures that learner drivers are well-prepared to handle various driving scenarios and make responsible decisions behind the wheel.

Safer Drivers Course with Learn Drive Survive® – Enhancing Road Safety & Creating Competent Drivers

If you’re a NSW learner driver looking to enhance your driving skills whilst receiving an additional 20 hours in your logbook at the same time, enrol in the Safer Drivers Course with Learn Drive Survive®.

What is the Safer Drivers Course?

The Safer Drivers Course is a safe driving course specifically designed for learner drivers in New South Wales. It aims to equip learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to become safe and competent drivers on the road. Learn Drive Survive® are approved providers by the TfNSW to deliver this course to learners with the best possible training and guidance.

What will you learn during the course?

The Safer Drivers Course covers a range of important topics and practical exercises to enhance your driving skills. Students will learn how to manage internal and external influences that can impact their driving ability, especially as a novice driver. Some key areas covered in the course include:

Blind Spots: Being aware of blind spots is crucial when driving. Understanding where they are and when you must check them can prevent a crash.

Hazard Perception: Develop your ability to identify and respond to potential hazards on the road, helping you make safer decisions while driving.

Speed Management: Learn effective techniques for managing your speed and maintaining safe driving speeds in different road conditions.

Gap Selection: Understand how to choose safe gaps when merging, changing lanes, or entering intersections, reducing the risk of crashes.

Safe Following Distances: Learn the importance of maintaining a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you, ensuring you have enough time to react to unexpected situations.

Decision-Making Skills: Enhance your decision-making skills by practicing critical thinking and risk assessment techniques, enabling you to make informed choices on the road.

Why should you do the Safer Drivers Course?

Additional Logbook Hours: By completing the Safer Drivers Course with Learn Drive Survive®, you will receive 20 additional hours in your learner logbook. This means you can fast-track your progress towards obtaining your provisional driver’s licence.

Enhanced Safety Skills: The course focuses on developing your hazard perception, speed management, and decision-making skills, making you a safer and more confident driver on the road.

Qualified Facilitators & Coaches: Learn Drive Survive® only utilise highly qualified and experienced driving instructors who are dedicated to providing the best driver training and guidance throughout the course.

The Safer Drivers Course with Learn Drive Survive® is a valuable investment for any learner driver in New South Wales. By completing this course, you will not only gain 20 additional hours in your logbook but also develop essential skills and knowledge to become a safer and more competent driver.

The road can be an unpredictable place, but with effective scanning skills when driving, many crashes can be prevented. Learn Drive Survive® play a significant role in educating learner drivers about these essential skills through their driving lessons and comprehensive driving programs such as the Safer Drivers Course. Before you can book your driving test, you must pass the Hazard Perception Test (HPT). Knowing how to effectively scan will help you pass the HPT. By choosing professional driving lessons that align with Australian standards, learner drivers can develop the necessary skills to navigate the unique challenges of Australian roads, making them safer for everyone.

Choose safety. Choose awareness. Choose Learn Drive Survive®.

For learner drivers in Newcastle looking to embark on their driving journey, Learn Drive Survive® is the go-to option, providing quality, convenience, and an unmatched commitment to excellence. To book a lesson, call our wonderful team on 1300 898 969 or click on the button below.

To enrol into one of our Safer Driver Courses, call 1800 898 969 or click on the button below.