This term means the link between what you actually see around you and a potential event or action.

You ‘link’ together what you see and from that you decide what you might reasonably expect to happen next.

Take, Use and Give Information (TUG)

Observe the link, evaluate and analyse what it might mean and start to consider acting upon that information.

Just some examples of observation links are listed below although there are of course many more.

• A child looking across the road and waving.  Maybe a friend is on the other side.  Be prepared for the child to run into the road.

• A mother pushing an empty pushchair or pram.  Look out for the child.

• A vehicle is waiting to pull out at a road junction or crossroads.  Get eye contact –be ready to react.  If the road is clear in your opposite direction they may pull out in front of you!

• Parked vehicles.  Is the door going to open? Check to see if the wing mirrors are retracted.

• A dog on a lead.  If it is a retractable lead will the dog run into the road?

• Horse droppings in the road.  Expect a horse and rider round the next bend.

• A horse with its rear end pointing out into the road is preparing its defences!

• Bin bags beside the road mean it is collection day.  Look out for the ‘bin men’.

• The smell of grass or vegetation could mean a tractor with a flail mower round the next bend.

• A speed camera ahead will mean that the average driver will brake in front of you.

• Bus queue on the opposite side of the road. Will you have a bus ahead with oncoming traffic passing it?

Can you think of any more? Please post it in the comments section.

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