Just need to confirm on over shoulder checks

[stryker]

Since I've ridden my trike for nearly 18 months before formal training I tend to do over my shoulder checks depending on where I feel they are appropriate. So I just want to check I've got this right according to what the DSA expect, the book was not too clear.

1) I'm in the right lane of a 3 lane road leading to an island and I want to go right. Before I pull away to enter the island I look over my left shoulder?

2) I'm on the right lane of a dual carriage way and am about to pull off (having stopped for whatever reason). I look over my left should?

[stryker]

wow, 83 people have read this and noone has offered any confirmation!

Come on, someone chuck me a life line here!

[TheShaggyDA]

Dunno what the law would expect, but I would in both examples. I don't think they'd fail you for too much observation
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[i:6e3bfc7581]But still I fear and still I dare not laugh at the madman...[/i:6e3bfc7581]

[stryker]

True! just wanted to make sure I were looking over the *right* shoulder.

My experience up till recently has been self taught, so until I do my DAS I only have the dsa hand book to go on.

[Ian (GPX)]

[stryker]

Thanks!

The second question was just regarding pulling away having just stoped (for whatever reason). I feel in that situation a look over my left shoulder is most helpful..... just want to be sure the examiner thinks the same

[bazza]

Road sense would be to check in the direction you are moving to, i.e. moving left - check left before you commit to the move and vice versa

Roundabouts are more of a problem, because the cagers will try anything to get round you, regardless of whether you're indicating or not, but I'd say the above still applies.
____________________
"That's it. You people have stood in my way long enough. I'm going to clown college."
'98 Ducati 750SS, '08 Suzuki GSX650F ©2004-2014, Bazza's Harmless Banter

[NickD]

[bazza]

I should add a disclaimer to any future advice I post:

Some, all or no parts of Bazza's advice may or may not contain common sense. Readers are advised that the value of this advice may increase or decrease subject the the whims and fancies of the Driving Standards Agency. Your bike/health/licence is at risk if you do not keep up with the DSA. May contain nuts. No calorific value.
____________________
"That's it. You people have stood in my way long enough. I'm going to clown college."
'98 Ducati 750SS, '08 Suzuki GSX650F ©2004-2014, Bazza's Harmless Banter

[Shaz]

[Ste]

Do shoulder checks generally before changing direction after checking mirrors just to check there isn't something in your blind spot. Doesn't really matter what the situation is, if you're changing direction it's worth having a quick check to ensure there isn't a car already where you plan on going.

[stryker]

This is the situation in queueing traffic where you've come to a stop in the right hand lane.

Thanks for the advice peeps. Yeah I have to agree I've found some of the teachings in the DSA handbook to feel a little dangerous to implement!

(did 170 miles on the trike yesterday)