The Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre (MSM) routine is the most used routine in driving. Using this routine correctly will enable you to become a safer driver.

It's just as important to be aware of what's happening behind you as it is to watch for hazards in front of your vehicle!

The MSM routine is broken down into the components listed below:

• Mirrors.

  •  This is to make sure you know what's happening around you. Not just in front of you, but to the rear and sides as well. Make early use of your interior and your door mirrors. Mirrors should be checked mainly in pairs starting with the interior mirror. The interior mirror is flat glass and will give you a true picture of what's behind you. Most door mirrors are made of convex glass, which gives the driver a good view to the sides as well as the rear of their vehicle but views from this type of mirror will look further away than they actually are.  

   

• Signal.

  • Use if any other road user will benefit even a pedestrian, as they are road users. However, if a signal could be seen as misleading or confusing then don't signal. If you intend to signal make sure you time it correctly, again a signal that is given too early could mislead, turning into a side road on the left for example, someone may think you are pulling in or turning into a side road before your intended junction. If you signal to late then you haven't helped anyone.

   

• Remember

  • Signals should be used to benefit other road users.

  • Never use your signals to barge your way into the main flow of traffic.

  • Never change the course or speed of other road users through your intentions

The Manoeuvre can be broken down further to: (PSL)

• Position.

  • Position your vehicle in good time. Especially when changing direction.

   

• Speed.

  • If you intend to slow down for the manoeuvre reduce your speed in good time. If you need to brake for the manoeuvre, do it early and gently never late and heavy. If the manoeuvre involves junctions then the speed on the approach to the junction is crucial.

 

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The Look can be broken down further to: (LADA)

 

Remember

 

 

Don’t change gear until you have looked, assessed and decide what you are going to do!

 

• Look

• Look well ahead in good time, to other directions as needed

• Assess.

  • What's happening, what type of junction, what signs are there?

   

• Decide.

  • Depending on what you can see make the appropriate decision for your situation.

   

• Act.

  • Based on your decision take the necessary action to either go or stop.

  • If in doubt wait. Only a fool rushes in!

 

Always use the MSM routine when you intend:

• Changing direction.

• Overtaking. 

• Pass Stationary vehicles & returning after passing

• Moving off.

• Pulling in.

• Roundabouts.

• Slow down & stop

• Changing speed increasing or decreasing.

• Well before any signal

Web: www.colesdrivingacademy.co.uk    Email: enquiries@colesdrivingacademy.co.uk  

 Tel: 02920 315 355    Mobile/Text: 077 6453 0915