Seeing is not the same as looking. An experienced driver moves their eyes to a pattern – far ahead, then near, then the mirrors – and picks up situations long before others do.
The three zones
The eyes move constantly between the three zones – they settle in none of them.
Far zone – where am I going?Middle zone – what is happening?Near zone – immediate check
Far zone: as far as the road is visible. It tells you the course of the road, any slowdowns and what lies ahead.
Middle zone: a few seconds in front of you. This is where other people's manoeuvres are decided.
Near zone: immediately in front of and beside the vehicle. A brief check, never a lingering stare.
Remember: anyone fixated on the vehicle ahead is driving blind. The eyes must travel.
Blind spot and shoulder check
Mirrors do not cover everything. On each side there remains an area – the blind spot – in which an entire vehicle can disappear, cyclists and motorcyclists included.
The shoulder check is the only way to verify it: a brief glance over your shoulder, in the direction you intend to go. It is required before:
every lane change and every move out,
every move off from the kerb,
every left or right turn – where cyclists ride,
every opening of a door after stopping.
Remember: mirror, then shoulder – in that order, and never one instead of the other.
What impairs vision
Speed: the faster you drive, the narrower your field of vision becomes – tunnel vision.
Fatigue: the gaze becomes fixed and scanning stops.
Glare: after being dazzled the eye needs several seconds to regain sensitivity.
Distraction: the eyes are on the road, the attention elsewhere – you look without seeing.
Remember: adjusting your speed is not only about stopping sooner, but also about seeing more.
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