The system of control
What is IPSGA?
IPSGA is the system at the heart of advanced driving and riding, taken from Roadcraft, the police driver's handbook. It gives you a calm, consistent way to approach any hazard, from a bend or junction to a tractor on a Borders back road.
- I
Information
Runs through every phase. Take information by looking all around, use it to plan, and give information by signalling where it helps others. Keep reassessing as things change.
- P
Position
Place your vehicle in the best spot on the road to see and be seen, negotiate the hazard safely and leave room for the unexpected.
- S
Speed
Adjust to the right speed for the hazard using accelerator or brakes smoothly, so you can stop in the distance you can see to be clear.
- G
Gear
Once the speed is right, select the appropriate gear for that speed. Braking and gear changing are kept separate.
- A
Acceleration
Apply the right amount of acceleration to leave the hazard safely, keeping the vehicle stable and balanced.
IPSGA is flexible, not a rigid checklist. Not every phase is needed for every hazard, and you can return to Information at any point. Your Observer will help you make it second nature.
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