Positioning should take many factors into consideration

  • What is the safest position?
  • What position will provide the best view of the road ahead?
  • How can my position help other drivers to pass?
  • Positioning as a form of signal
  • Where could I go if there is a problem (Escape route)

 

Each of these should be considered across ALL of the road space available including the wrong side of the road if necessary and safe.

Barriers to positioning include

  • Understanding road markings – if it is a broken line and it is necessary and safe, use this space
  • Understanding road markings – if it is a solid line and it is necessary and safe, only use this space in an emergency, or if you have no other option
  • Observation of other traffic, if someone else is there, you cannot use it
  • Safety and legal reasons (cutting corners)

 

Having said all of this, on a straight bit of normal or wide road, a ‘normal driving position’ is where the left wheel is no more than one metre (three foot) from the kerb.  Generally I think one or two foot (a third to two thirds of a metre) is ideal.  This is far enough away not to hit the kerb, but more importantly means that other road users can overtake if necessary.  Driving in the gutters can be dangerous, as they are slippery and also upset the balance of the car, especially at speed.  It also prevents splashing pedestrians in wet conditions.

On a straight narrow road, it may be necessary to drive closer to the kerb, in order to leave room for oncoming vehicles to pass, still driving too close to the edge of the road can cause the vehicle to loose traction, or hitting a kerb can be serious too. 

On bendy roads, even very slightly, where it is safe generally it is better to move towards the outer edge to give a better view around the corner, improving your view means you can see things happen earlier, and makes driving safer.  This is of course unless the position is too extreme (too near the kerb, or on the wrong side of the road) unnecessarily.  In this situation a ‘mid’ position will provide a good view (if not the best), and still be a good distance from any hazards also. 

Changing position very quickly is very unsafe, a smooth positioning taken early will

  • Avoid a skid (quick steering can cause a skid)
  • Inform other road users of your intentions
  • Give an early view of the road ahead
  • Make a smooth drive for your passengers
  • Reduce wear and tear on the vehicle

 When parking a position either by the side of the road about 1-3 centimetres (about one inch) is ideal, allowing others to come by.  Ideally parked facing the correct way for safety reasons.  In a car park, particular attention to position is important to help others.  

Positioning is very much to do with controlling the space around the car, the more space you have, the better.  This gives you space to move or react into safely.  When you have no space in front or behind, this is how crashes happen.  Controlling your speed and space takes all of the factors into account and places the vehicle is a safe position to help others and to prevent collisions.