Space to the sides ...

You need space to the sides to avoid pedestrians, cyclists, horses, dogs, oncoming vehicles and many other road hazards.

You can control this space by constantly watching the road ahead and to the sides - a visual scan - and then planning in advance to leave sufficient space, or to stop.

Never commit yourself to a narrow gap unless you are absolutely certain that there is enough 'room for error' - although you might be able to comfortably squeeze through a tiny space the other driver may not judge the gap as well as you do. Also, where there are parked cars there are often doors opening without warning, kids running out, mothers pushing prams into the road, and so on.

Hold back behind cyclists until you can allow at least six feet clearance to pass them. Use your door mirrors before you move off after being stopped in traffic. A court ruling has defined the precedent that 'cyclists are entitled to wobble' - you would probably have a tough job proving the case against a cyclist!

If there is a broken down vehicle on the hard shoulder of a fast road, move out to the next lane in case someone steps out.

If there are children playing on the nearside footpath, check your mirrors and move out as far as is practical (or slow down in order to control the space to to left).

You might be impressed with your own ability to 'whiz' through tight gaps - believe me when I tell you - most other road users will see you as a 'moron'.

Click the forward arrow to find out about keeping a safe space to the rear ...