Visual searching and scanning their surroundings include keeping a safe distance around the vehicle. If another driver makes any mistake, the driver should have enough time to react. Scanning means the driver must keep their eyes moving to look for hazards. The driver needs to scan the road 10-15 seconds ahead of their vehicle and be alert for vehicles around the driver. Visual scanning includes knowing what is behind them to prepare for potential hazards.

Scanning helps:

• Cars, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, and animals could be on the road by the time the driver reaches there
• Signs warning of problems ahead
• Signs giving directions

As we drive outside our urban areas, we often see roadkill - animals that have been killed by passing traffic. Road collisions kill and maim wildlife, pets and humans, resulting in millions of rand in insurance claims.

Various animals from small cats, dogs, and even birds to large cattle, donkeys, and antelope such as kudu can cause distractions and risks. Take special care near animal crossings, and be aware of warning signs or signs of the absence of fences. The signs are there for a reason. Drunken pedestrians are a danger to themselves and other road users.

Below are just some of the different types of road hazards that you can expect to see when driving on country lanes:

• Narrow country lanes, possibly only wide enough for one vehicle
• Sharp bends
• Blind junctions covered by overgrown trees and shrubs
• Unmarked junctions
• Horses
• Cyclists
• Pedestrians are walking on the opposite side of the road
• Farm animals
• Slow-moving vehicles, such as tractors

Objects

Metal Debris in the Roadway: Screws, nails, and other sharp objects are common culprits behind a sudden tire blowout or puncture while driving.

Broken Glass: The most common glass in the roadway is broken headlights and windshields at accident sites. Broken glass can damage a tire and cause it to fail suddenly.