The lifesaving intersection habit
Look right, left and then right again. You’d be forgiven for thinking you were front row at the Australian Open. Instead, these are simple eye movements that can save your life at intersections. Here’s how.
Unofficially called ‘intersection scanning’, looking to your right, left and then right again isn’t new road-safety advice. Most are taught this basic skill when they first get behind the wheel. That said, scanning isn’t an official road rule so it can become a forgotten driving habit. But it shouldn’t be.
RAA analysed SA Government crash data from 2020-24 and found that 52 per cent of serious crashes, where someone was injured or killed, happened at intersections.
According to RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain, the simple act of scanning an intersection before passing through is a driving habit that should be routinely practised.
“Another vehicle may run a red light or pull out in front of you, even though you have the green signal when you’re going straight through, so it becomes vital to scan your surroundings before you even get there,” Charles says.
“Also don’t forget to scan your mirrors as well because if someone is following too closely you may not be able to stop quickly without them running into you.”
But take note: a green light doesn’t always necessarily mean go.
“Remember, the green light only tells you who should go, not who actually will,” Charles says.
How to ‘scan’ safely
For a better chance of seeing other road users, Charles advises drivers look more than once. They should also start scanning ahead and to the side a few seconds before entering an intersection. Don’t forget to scan your mirrors as well.
“Spotting a hazard early by scanning your surroundings properly lets you slow or stop in time,” he says.
“This is just one of many reasons to never speed, particularly through an intersection or junction.
“Don’t assume other drivers or riders will stop when they need to. If in doubt, slow down and prepare to stop if necessary to avoid a crash.”