Using the Peep and Creep Driving Technique

‘Peep and creep’, though sounding a somewhat dubious activity is actually a term we use for learner drivers when attempting to emerge from a blind or closed junction.

Observational area of an open junction by the driver
At an ‘open’ junction, the driver has a wide view of the major road they intend on joining

As we can see from the diagram of the open junction above, illustrated by the red shaded area, the driver waiting at the junction has a wide and clear view of the road they wish to merge with. They can clearly see approaching traffic and can determine when it’s safe to pull out.

Observational area of an blind or closed junction by the driver
At a ‘blind’ or ‘closed’ junction, the driver’s view of the road is far more restricted

However, at a closed, or blind junction, the driver’s view of the road is far more obscured by the buildings. In this instance, the driver should creep forward very slowly, whilst constantly looking up and down the road (peed and creep) until they can determine when it’s safe to pull out.

Peep and Creep in an Automatic Car

In a manual car, peep and creep and be difficult. The driver needs to use clutch control, whilst also making use of the accelerator and brake. In an automatic car, it’s far easier.

Almost all modern automatic cars have a ‘creep‘ function. The creep functions means that an automatic car will slowly ‘creep’ forward without the need to press the accelerator pedal. All the driver needs to do is to use the brake pedal to either control the speed of the creep or use it to stop the car.

If you’re finding it difficult to see approaching traffic at a closed or blind junction, you’ll need to use peep and creep. To use peep and creep in an automatic car, come to a stop at the junction lines and whilst constantly looking left and right, very slowly lift up the brake pedal until the car creeps forward.

Continue to creep forward and stopping until you get a better view of the road. Do this only in small increments to avoid unintentionally entering the major road and becoming a hazard.

The creep function of an automatic car may not be powerful enough to propel the car forward on an uphill gradient. In this instance, you may need to provide a little power by gently pressing the accelerator, then switching over to the brake to stop the car. You can use both feet to do this if you wish; the left foot controlling the brake and the right foot controlling the accelerator pedal.

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