Anticipating the Actions of Other Road Users
Last reviewed: 2026 · Driviology Road Safety Education Team
Quick Answer
Anticipating other road users means watching for early signals - a turned wheel, a glance over the shoulder, a cyclist’s hand position - so you can react before their move becomes a hazard, not after.
Experienced drivers read the road several steps ahead, picking up small cues that hint at what another driver, cyclist, or pedestrian is about to do. This is a learnable skill, not just something that comes with time.
Reading Vehicle Cues
Watch for front wheels turning before a vehicle actually moves, brake lights flickering as a driver hesitates, or a car drifting slightly within its lane before a lane change. These cues often appear before a signal does, if one comes at all.
Reading Pedestrians and Cyclists
A pedestrian looking at their phone near a crosswalk, or a cyclist glancing back before merging left, both signal an upcoming move. Slow down and increase your following distance around anyone showing these signs.
Building the Habit
Practice narrating hazards out loud as you drive: "that cyclist might merge," "that car might not see the stop sign." This forces active scanning rather than passive watching, and over time becomes automatic.