Risk assessment in practice
Good drivers assess risk continuously. Use this simple process before and during every drive.
The process
- Identify hazards: weather, road, traffic, your condition
- Assess likelihood and consequence
- Choose measures: speed, position, communication, cancel/postpone
Practical checklist
- Fit to drive? rested, sober, focused
- Vehicle ok? tyres, lights, windows
- Conditions? visibility, surface, wind
- Route plan? alternatives, time margin
Dynamic follow-up while driving
| Trigger | What you notice | How to respond |
|---|---|---|
| Weather changes | Rain, fog or sun glare | Lower speed and use the correct lights, see Driving in the dark |
| Dense traffic | Queues, unpredictable lane changes | Increase safety margins and plan positioning, see Positioning and driving style |
| Driver condition | Fatigue, stress or distraction | Take a break, activate driver aids or end the trip, see Fitness to drive |
Review and adjust
Risk assessment continues throughout the trip. After each measure you should:
- Check whether the risk is actually reduced
- Update the plan with new information (radio, traffic alerts)
- Log lessons learned, especially during accompanied driving
- Discuss observations with your instructor or supervisor to strengthen reflection