It’s not easy for a new driver to stop safely on the side of the road because so many things can go wrong. Before we can stop the car, we need to choose a safe area, assess the surrounding area, alert other drivers to our plans, and manoeuvre the vehicle into a spot close to the curb.
This article will teach you the best practices for performing these manoeuvres so that you can stop quickly and securely on the driving test and in your everyday driving.
The Value of Coming to a Complete and Orderly Stop
The ability to safely pull over to the side of the road is crucial, as we will need to do so frequently when driving. By picking a dangerous parking spot, we put ourselves and others in harm’s way. You risk having a wheel or tyre damaged if we lose control of the vehicle and hit the kerb. That’s why we have to be extra cautious and competent when pulling over to the side of the road. In addition, we will be required to stop at least three times throughout the driving test, so perfecting this skill is essential.
Finding a starting position
We should use this moment before we begin driving to find the curb for use as a landmark. From the driver’s seat, we can see that the kerb touches the windshield’s base to the right of where the wiper arms rest, 15 centimetres distant. Find your own personal reference point, because it will be different from car to car and from driving position to driving position. The next time we park, we just have to steer gently to maintain the kerb at these reference points at the bottom of the windscreen, and we’ll be right back where we started.
Which Limit to Cross First
Always pull over where it’s easy, legal, and safe to do so. Therefore, we need to exercise caution when deciding where to rest.
No Way Out;
bus stop in front of the driveway, opposite the cars parked there, if possible;
There are a number of other locations where stopping is prohibited, as outlined by the Highway Code.
within ten metres of a crosswalk, on double yellow lines or zigzag lines, and within a junction
Therefore, if it has been a while since you passed your theoretical test, you should review the material to refresh your memory and ensure you are up to date.
Follow the MSM Method (Mirror Signal Manoeuvre)
As with many other driving decisions, we need to employ the MSM, or mirror signal manoeuvre, routine to ensure it is safe to stop. First, let’s take a short look at how this will aid us when we’re at a halt.
Mirrors: using reflections to look around for potential threats
We begin by looking in the rearview mirror. As we are now driving over to the left side of the road, it is imperative that we double-check both the centre and left mirrors for oncoming traffic. We’re scanning the road to the left of our vehicle for bikes and motorcycles that might be able to get by. Or maybe there’s a car following us quite closely. The decision to stop the car can be postponed or cancelled if it seems like doing so could put someone in harm’s way.
To send a signal is to alert others to something.
When we reach an area where we can safely stop, we signal to oncoming traffic that we will be moving to the left and halting the automobile. When there are no more intersections between us and our destination, we may safely indicate.
Do a U-turn or pull over
We begin to slowly apply the brakes in order to bring the car to a stop. Once the car’s speed has decreased, we use the earlier established reference point to steer gently in the direction of the kerb. We can come to a stop in any gear, but we must fully depress the clutch or the engine will stall. Once we are satisfied that the vehicle is positioned appropriately in relation to the curb, we slowly come to a stop using the brakes. We raise our foot off the brake slightly as the automobile comes to a stop to reduce the likelihood of a jarring stop. To keep the car safe from oncoming traffic, we need to be no more than 30 centimetres from the kerb.
Fasten the Seatbelts and Lock the Car
Once the vehicle has come to a halt, we must fasten it so that it does not roll away. While keeping the brakes on with the right foot and the clutch depressed with the left, we shift into neutral, apply the handbrake, turn off the indicator, and then take our feet off the pedals. Making ensuring the car is constantly locked and secure requires following this order every time.
Putting a halt to other activities
Let’s quickly examine how we might need to modify our strategy when halting in other contexts. It’s more challenging to come to a stop in a narrow space, such as after a parked car. Since we need to make a very accurate turn, we come to a complete stop so that we have plenty of time to drive into the opening and use the remaining space to get the automobile as straight as possible. Because our regular reference point is designed for straight roads, it might be difficult to gauge how near we are to the kerb when stopping on a Bend. We veer to the left more gently than usual, maintain forward momentum as we fine-tune our position, and then come to a stop to minimise the car’s potential for colliding with the kerb.
Coming to a halt on a steep incline
It stands to reason that when we put our foot on the clutch while driving uphill, the car will slow down more quickly. To avoid this, before bringing the car to a complete stop, we ease off the clutch pedal slightly so that it coasts forward until we’re at the ideal spot.
Remember
So, keep in mind;
Use whatever point of reference you like
Stop at a legal and safe area, perform the MSM protocol, and secure the vehicle.