Some time ago, I read on here about target fixation and somebody said if you fixate on the car that has just become an obstacle, you’re dead - what you need to fixate on is the space available to you to avoid the obstacle.
I picked up on that comment and have been actively practicing it in the lanes and this morning, that practice may have saved me from a nasty off…
I was heading along a main road at about 50mph, scanning as much as possible (for Roadcraft tells me to ;)) and I clocked a car waiting at a side junction on the other side of the road (my right hand side) and an approaching bus.
Another scan, checked my mirrors, looked up and the silly moo had pulled out slowly in front of me and now with about 10 metres to go, she was blocking my path.
I didn’t sound the horn because it may have stopped her progress (I was figuring she takes up less room end on than sideways on) and the bus was blocking my route into the middle of the road.
I knew I couldn’t successfully stop in that distance and I reckoned my only chance was that there would be enough room to undertake her so I swerved around her whilst issuing a choice string of expletives.
Without that tip I picked up off LB, I may well have fixated on the car and not the space.
Who says Stevie Ramone can’t Swerve? (Apart from the DSA! :D)
