TRAINING - DRIVING TIPS

The S.C.A.L.P routine (Safe Convenient And Legal Position)
Safe

Avoid stopping near puddles, wet grass, mud etc...(Think of your passenger exiting the vehicle). Check on your left when you pull up, for lamp posts, telegraph poles, bollards and pedestrians. Although they won't stop you pulling up, consider your passenger door when it is opened. Also, although not illegal, do not block someone's driveway or entry. Consider the road width and do not stop opposite a car parked on the other side of the road, unless you think that vehicles can still pass. This could be large vehicles like fire engines.

And Legal

Avoid stopping within 10 metres of a junction, this includes opposite you on the right. Do not stop next to a bus stop or in a cycle lane. Take note of road markings, i.e. yellow lines, disabled spaces, loading areas, and zig zag lines at pedestrian crossings. If stopping on the right, you should consider if you are going to be there when it is dark. If you are facing the oncoming traffic, there will be no reflective red light. This again can become a potential hazard.

Position

Try to get your vehicle close to the kerb and parallel to the kerb. Keep your front wheels straight, unless parked on a hill. In which case, you would need to turn the wheel slightly, so that the vehicle would roll to the kerb if the hand brake failed.

The SCALP routine, When?

The SCALP routine would be used any time you pull up to the side of the road, whether it be on the left or the right.

The SCALP routine, Why?
 

When stopping, the SCALP routine always follows the MSM routine. Showing consideration as to where you park, can avoid frustration to other road users. Badly parked vehicles are a hazard and in the right circumstances, could cost lives, (imagine blocking a fire engine or an ambulance). It could also cause damage to your own vehicle. Wing mirrors are always getting broken by other vehicles passing too close.

Move to next pages for MSM, MSPSL