RADskills

24/08/2026

LEFT TURN ONTO A BUSY ROAD — CAN YOU ACTUALLY SEE WHAT YOU’RE TURNING INTO? 🚗👀

In this clip, my student is preparing to turn left onto busy Portrush Road.

At first, the car isn't positioned far enough forward to get a clear view up the road. So rather than guessing, we move forward and further into the turn to improve our vision.

And suddenly we can see something important — a truck parked in the left lane.

That changes everything.

We no longer just need a safe gap in the traffic approaching in the left lane. We need enough space to safely enter the road and move into the available lane without pulling out first and then reacting to the truck.

Good driving isn't just about finding a gap.

Get the position right. Get the vision. Then make the decision.

Because good drivers don't happen by accident.

07/08/2026

A green light doesn’t mean the way is clear.

In this situation, our student is turning left and needs to cross a bike lane to complete the turn. Mirrors and indicator are done, but before crossing the bike lane there’s one critical observation — check left for cyclists.

We held our position because a cyclist was approaching from behind. Had we simply turned on the green light without checking, we could have turned directly across their path.

The cyclist also showed little precaution despite the vehicle indicating left — another reminder that regardless of who has priority, never rely on someone else to keep you safe.

We saw the hazard. We waited. Nothing happened.

That’s defensive driving.

11/07/2026

You Think You've Seen It All... Then This Happens!

Teaching a simple forward bay park... or so we thought.

My student had already moved left to set up the correct angle, the right indicator was on, and we were clearly committed to the manoeuvre before the blue Mercedes even entered the aisle.

Then, out of nowhere, they drove up the wrong side of the car park aisle and parked in the very bay we were about to use.

Could we have argued? Sure.

Instead, it became another valuable lesson.

At RADSKILLS we teach that Observations don't stop just because you've made a decision. Other road users don't always see your intentions, and sometimes they simply do the unexpected.

Observations → Decisions → Actions.

Because the safest drivers are the ones who expect the unexpected.

09/07/2026

🚦 **Don't Block Your Own Exit**

One of the biggest mistakes drivers make when turning right at traffic lights is rolling too far into the intersection.

In this clip, the oncoming vehicle also intends to turn right. Instead of waiting in the correct position, they creep across our path, leaving neither of us with enough room to complete the turn safely.

The dashcam's wide-angle (fish-eye) lens makes it look like there's plenty of space, but in reality there wasn't.

**The RADSKILLS Rule:**
✅ Roll into the intersection.
✅ Keep your wheels and car pointing straight ahead.
✅ Don't drift right until you have a safe path to complete the turn.

If you move across too early, you can block the intersection, trap other vehicles, and create unnecessary conflict.

Good positioning creates options. Poor positioning takes them away.

**Observations. Decisions. Actions.**

03/07/2026

BLIND LEFT TURN? USE THE KERB AS YOUR GUIDE 👀

When your view is blocked by parked cars, the biggest mistake is guessing.

This student approached a left turn from a terminating road with cars parked on both sides. Instead of following the kerb around, they pulled out while still blind.

So we did what every good driver should do.

We went around the block and looked at the problem again.

The trick?

✅ Stay tight to the kerb as you turn left.
✅ Follow the kerb around instead of cutting the corner.
✅ Once you're tucked into the kerb, use your driver's side mirror to look for approaching traffic.
✅ If you still can't see, stop and creep forward until you can.

Good drivers don't guess.

They position the car so they can see.

Because if you can't see it, you can't make a safe decision.

RADSKILLS Rule:
If you cant see. Don't go.

02/07/2026

02/07/2026

Not sponsored. Not paid. Just a product I genuinely believe makes driving safer.

I've been using Rain-X for years, and in heavy rain the difference is incredible. Water beads up and clears from the windscreen, giving you a much better view of what's happening ahead.

We spend money on tyres, brakes and safety features, but clear vision is still your number one defence on the road.

For me, Rain-X is one of those simple products that actually delivers on its promise.

Good drivers don't happen by accident.

30/06/2026

BRITANNIA: Expect The Unexpected

We were turning right at the Britannia Roundabout from Fullarton Road. Three lanes of traffic to our right, all of our attention focused on finding a safe gap.

Meanwhile, a pedestrian was hovering on our left.

Just as we committed to the turn, they suddenly ran across the front of the car.

It was close.

Nobody plans for moments like this, but that's exactly the point.

At RADSKILLS we teach students:

✅ Check the obvious hazards.
✅ Scan for the hidden hazards.
✅ Always leave a little attention in reserve for Murphy.

Because Murphy has an incredible ability to line everything up perfectly at the worst possible moment.

The danger you miss is usually the one you weren't expecting.