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Difficulty: MediumSpace Behind and Tailgaters

An articulated transit coach is operating along an active urban commercial boulevard when the driver spots a delivery van following within a few feet of the rear bumper. To minimize collision risk while this condition persists, which driving action should the coach operator perform?

  1. A
    Accelerate slightly above the posted speed limit to widen the separation gap behind the coach.
  2. Increase following distance from the traffic ahead to allow gradual braking and prevent sudden stops.Answer
  3. C
    Tap the service brakes repeatedly to flash the brake lamps and signal the trailing vehicle to drop back.
  4. D
    Steer partially onto the right shoulder to compel the trailing vehicle to pass on the left.

Answer

Increase following distance from the traffic ahead to allow gradual braking and prevent sudden stops.
Expanding the forward space cushion provides the driver with sufficient distance and time to brake gradually, which mitigates the risk of the close-following vehicle crashing into the rear.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary hazard created by a tailgating vehicle.
The vehicle behind lacks sufficient stopping distance if an abrupt stop occurs.
Commercial drivers cannot directly control the space behind their vehicle, but they can control the space ahead.
2
Determine the appropriate defensive space cushion adjustment.
Increase forward following distance by decelerating gradually.
Expanding the space in front ensures that any deceleration can be slow and progressive, preventing emergency stops that cause rear-end impacts.

Key Concept

Defensive space management when followed closely requires increasing forward following distance to avoid sudden braking.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Space Behind and Tailgaters

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