Visual scanningSerbia

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.


83. Visual scanning

Visual scanning is the driving technique of continuously observing the road ahead, mirrors, side areas and surrounding traffic to identify hazards and changing traffic situations as early as possible. Effective scanning means moving attention regularly between different parts of the traffic environment rather than concentrating on a single point.

Drivers should look well ahead, check mirrors regularly and observe relevant side areas and blind spots, particularly before changing speed, direction or road position.

Visual scanning
Truck visible in a vehicle's side mirror.
Wikimedia.org • B137 • CC BY-SA
What is scanning while driving?

Scanning means continuously observing different parts of the traffic environment so that hazards and changes can be detected early.

What should a driver scan?

A driver should regularly observe the road ahead, mirrors, intersections, side areas, vulnerable road users and relevant blind spots.

Why is scanning important?

Scanning helps drivers identify hazards earlier and gives them more time to adjust speed, position or direction safely.

1 Serbia 2 Motorway 3 Speed limit 4 Bus stop 5 Stop sign 6 Roundabout 7 Railway crossing 8 School area 9 Wrong-way driving 10 Roadworks 11 Traffic lights 12 Driving licence 13 Traffic mirror 14 Parking 15 Reversing 16 City limit 17 Tourist attraction 18 Bus 19 Police 20 Ambulance 21 Pothole 22 Path 23 Particulates 24 Air pollution 25 Rush hour 26 Road code 27 Street gutter 28 Cargo bike 29 Forestry vehicle 30 Construction vehicle 31 Semi-trailer truck 32 Trolleybus 33 Speed pedelec 34 Delivery vehicle 35 Idling 36 Tow truck 37 Four-wheel drive 38 Bicycle 39 Motorcycle equipment 40 Rail track 41 Caravan 42 Trailer 43 Tow hitch 44 Fire truck 45 Siren 46 Convoy 47 Emergency vehicle lighting 48 Agricultural machinery 49 Electric bicycle 50 Electric vehicle 51 Pedelec 52 Quadricycle 53 Microcar 54 All-terrain vehicle 55 Van 56 Recreational vehicle 57 Scooter 58 Trikke 59 Personal mobility device 60 Skateboard 61 Segway 62 Kick scooter 63 Roller skates 64 Mailman 65 Hitchhiker 66 Toddler 67 Child 68 Disability 69 Motorail 70 km/h 71 mph 72 Speedometer 73 Ride height 74 Dirt road 75 Driving 76 Start-stop system 77 Manual transmission 78 Automatic transmission 79 Throttle 80 Tachometer 81 Steering wheel 82 Power steering 83 Visual scanning 84 Mirror 85 Fuel 86 Fuel gauge 87 Petrol 88 Diesel 89 Diesel exhaust fluid 90 Car insurance 91 First aid kit 92 Fire extinguisher 93 High-visibility clothing 94 First aid 95 Concrete step barrier 96 Barriers 97 Vehicle lights 98 Street lights 99 Dipped beam 100 High beam ...