COMMUNICATION ON THE ROAD

Effective communication is crucial for safe and coordinated traffic flow. Road users use a standardized set of signs and signals to communicate with each other, reducing confusion and preventing accidents. These signals include hand gestures, signal lights, and responses to instructions from traffic marshals and police. One of the fundamental techniques for communication and safe driving is the MSM technique, which stands for Mirror, Signal, and Manoeuvre.

MSM Technique (Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre)

The MSM technique is a simple and effective routine for drivers to communicate on the road. It’s a sequence of actions that should be used in various driving situations:

Mirror:

• Begin by checking your mirrors. Start with the center interior mirror and then check the door mirrors on the side corresponding to the direction you intend to go.
• Pay attention to what you see in the mirrors. Look for potential hazards such as vehicles closely following you, rapidly approaching vehicles from behind, motorcyclists, and cyclists.
• Depending on the situation, potential hazards may require further mirror checks to ensure you’re aware of their presence.
• Adjust your driving based on what you observe in the mirrors. For example, if a vehicle is following closely behind you, consider slowing down slightly earlier to give them more reaction time.

Signal:

• After checking your mirrors, apply your signals in the direction you intend to take. Signals are essential for communicating your intentions to other road users.
• The timing of your signal is crucial. Apply signals immediately after checking your mirrors to ensure that other drivers have enough time to react to your intended actions.
• Signals should be applied in good time, neither too early nor too late. Applying a signal too early can confuse other drivers.

Manoeuvre:

• The manoeuvre part of the MSM technique is about carrying out your intended action on the road. This could be related to roundabouts, junctions, changing lanes, or parking.
• Always be prepared to adapt your MSM routine based on the specific circumstances. If you’re driving in an area with potential hazards such as pedestrians or cyclists, you may need to check your mirrors and blind spot again before executing the manoeuvre.
• Be ready to adjust your speed or direction even at the last moment if necessary. Predicting potential hazards and reacting to them is a sign of a skilled driver.

Signals Given by Road Users

Road users use a variety of signals to communicate their intentions and ensure safe traffic flow. These signals include:

• Hand signals given by drivers: Indicating left, right, or slowing down.
• Hand signals given by drivers to traffic police: Indicating their intended direction.
• Light signals given by vehicles and motorists: Turn signals, brake lights, reverse lights, and headlights.
• Hand signals given by motorcyclists: Indicating left, right, or slowing down.
• Hand signals given by cyclists: Signaling their turns or slowing down.
• Hand signals given by traffic police officers: Controlling traffic flow, including stopping traffic from different directions.
• Signals given by traffic marshals: Controlling pedestrian and vehicle movements.
• Traffic Light Signals: Green, red, amber, and green arrows indicate when it’s safe to proceed or stop.

In case of a traffic signal blackout due to an electrical power failure, follow these guidelines:

• Stop at the intersection.
• Proceed only when you’re sure that other vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians have also stopped.

Understanding and adhering to these communication methods and signals is essential for safe and responsible driving. It helps prevent accidents and ensures smooth traffic flow on the road.