Driving Routine - MSPSL and LADA - Mirror Signal Position Speed Look Assess Decide Act

MSM is used any time you pull over to park, slowing down, change lanes on a dual carriageway, motorway, roundabouts, one way roads, etc...

If you intend to change your position in the road, then you need to know what is in the position you intend to move to, you also need to know if anything is already trying to get into the position you intend to move to, hence the needs to check the centre mirror, to see what is behind, then the left or right mirror (Depending on the direction you are moving). Signal let others know what you intend to do and the do the manoeuvre.

Keep them separate - mirror first, then signal, then manoeuver.

Mirrors

• Check centre and side mirror
• Use in pairs
  • Because of position – get 2 different views
  • Because of type of glass – get 2 different angles
• Effective observation of all other road users

Signal

• Left or right indicator depending on the direction we are going
• To inform other road users
• Correct timing
  • Too early - other road users will/may ignore
  • Too late - other road users won't have time to react

Position

• For left turn
  • Maintain normal driving position
  • Centre of lane or 1m from kerb
• For right turn
  • Just left of centre line
• For going ahead
  • Maintain normal driving position
  • Centre of lane or 1m from kerb

Speed

• Closed junction, STOP
• Open junction, often don't have to stop
• Change to appropriate gear
  • 1st gear, closed junction
  • 1st or 2nd gear, open junction

Look

• Check main road ahead, look right - left - right
  • Right - Traffic you meet first comes from the right
  • Left - Ensure nothing is on your side (overtaking)
  • Right - Final check

Assess

• Assess all other road users
  • Speed
  • Position
  • Direction
  • Signals
  • Priority

Decide

• Based on the above info
  • Is it safe to pull out?
  • Is there time to pull out?
  • Can you cross the road as a pedestrian? (When turning right and going ahead)

Act

• Stop
  • Behind the line
  • Continue to Look, Assess, Decide
• Go
  • Move off safely without hesitation
• Steer
• Check Mirrors

This routine (or any routine) is a guide only and is used to help learner drivers for remembering a safety procedure. You should always be prepared to alter the routine depending on circumstances.

Tags: Driving Routine - MSPSL and LADA - Mirror Signal Position Speed Look Assess Decide Act