Commentary driving is a great way to focus on the task at hand whilst driving.  During the following videos I have planned ahead to avoid stopping which is better for economy, but also in order to plan to approach at a sensible speed.

Notice on the first section I discuss the brow of the hill where it is difficult to see, the hazard of the roundabout, and the fact that there is no cyclist down the left before turning left on the roundabout.  As there are people to benefit I advised that I would signal left and give a brake signal to whoever is behind.  This is an example of Mirror-signal-Manoeuvre routine (or Take-Use-Give information stage in RoSPA).

You will notice on the approach to the next roundabout the same technique is applied, as well as planning ahead for what is on the other side of the roundabout before making the decision to get to the other side safely.  Also by using a brake light signal it warns vehicles from behind that I am slowing and potentially stopping; considering that the most common crash in the UK is been hit from behind this becomes important.

On the video shown above note the planning for traffic lights and pedestrian crossings, I comment if the button has been pressed or not?

…and I have discussed how long the traffic lights have been on green.  Most lights have a 30 seconds green, 30 seconds red which 3, 6, or 9 seconds between the different junctions.  They are usually easy to predict, if you are planning far enough behind.  Of course it is unsafe to brake harshly on the approach as ultimately you may be hit from behind, pushing you through the lights anyway.  Try and plan far ahead for the lights, if they change and someone is close the highway code advises that you can continue on amber to avoid a crash, however you should plan to stop, as per my commentary.  Amber light means stop behind the line, notice I am also looking through the lights to look for emergency services.

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