Observation

[Steve_T]

I'm going through the preparation for my advanced test with the IAM at the moment. A (probably the) key part is observation. I'm probably being a bit thick here, but since this is nothing new to me, I'll ask anyway. There's the much used picture in the Roadcraft book about how you build the scene by scanning the world as it unfolds in front of you. I find that I sometimes don't pick up on some hazards until later than I'd like, sometimes fixate on others and so on. What I'd like to hear is how the experienced riders on this forum go about the process of observation (in as much detail as you can spare the time to describe please). Particularly keen to hear from the Class 1 trained here.

Mucho Thanks,

Steve.

[diddly]

Steve, consider Observation as Far-middle-near i.e that's where I'm going(far), what do I need to deal with before I get there?(middle), what do I need to deal with now? ( near, all round awareness). Think of a bend: your vanish/limit/vision point is FAR i.e as far ahead as you can see, you can chase the limit point as long as there's no danger you need to deal with before the bend e.g. an entrance on your nearside-MIDDLE, or no immediate danger-NEAR, such as a parked car or a faster bike just about to overtake you.

For IAM observation you need to demonstrate good risk awareness: what's the greatest risk?

Hope this is of some help

Diddly ( ex-Met Trafpol, Class 1 car & Bike, IAM Sen Obs, Ride-Drive car/bike)

If you're at Pistonfest look us up for a further chat

[huge_ego]

Hi Steve,

I'm not a Class 1 and am a novice biker. However, I'm in the fortunate position of having had a fair bit of police driving school instruction in the car. (Prior to which, I'd done the usual IAM, IAM Special Assessment, RoSPA Gold, DIA Master Driver and High Performance Course.) In the past, I used to observe for the IAM.

Firstly, good on you for doing the IAM. The IAM is a great foundation, well worth the effort and an achievement of which you can be proud. (Hopefully you'll continue learning from someone like RideDrive, which will take your IAM skills to an even higher level.)

Here are some ideas for you to try out and see what works for you:
- Think of looking ahead like fishing. You cast your eyes out like a fishing line: as far ahead as you can. Then reel in your vision back to you. In this way, you can train your eyes to scan from the far horizon all the way back to you. It helps lift your vision, so you're trained to look further ahead naturally.
- Explore how frequently scanning from side to side works for you in different situations. For example, scanning ahead and to the side very frequently can be helpful in judging roundabout entry speed, so that you 'fit in' and avoid the need to stop. I like to scan to the side well on the approach to a bend, in addition to using Limit Point Analysis, to be sure I've got the 'cross view' and improve my judgement of the bend.
- If you get the chance to speak to Diddly at Pistonfest, then take advantage of a golden opportunity!

Does this help a little? If it's any consolation, it took me quite a while to crack this one and, to be honest, I'm still learning.

Let us know how you get on.