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Difficulty: MediumDefensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation

When traveling on a multi-lane roadway, if a vehicle in an adjacent lane unexpectedly decelerates without signaling, a defensive driver should maintain speed and immediately pass the slowing vehicle.

Answer: Answer

Answer

False. A defensive driver should ease off the accelerator, cover the brake, and scan the road ahead to identify why the adjacent vehicle is slowing down before proceeding or passing.
The statement is false because unexpected deceleration by neighboring vehicles often signals a hazard obscured from your view. A defensive driver reduces speed and assesses the situation rather than maintaining speed to pass.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the driver reaction in the surrounding traffic context.
Recognize that an adjacent vehicle is slowing down without an obvious structural reason (like a traffic signal or turn lane).
Traffic flow anomalies are key early indicators of developing hazards.
2
Assess blind zones and potential sightline obstructions.
Understand that the slowing vehicle may obscure a pedestrian, animal, or turning vehicle from your direct sightline.
Defensive driving requires anticipating hazards beyond your immediate visual path.
3
Determine the safe operational response.
Reduce speed, cover the brake, and hold back until the roadway ahead of the adjacent vehicle is confirmed clear.
Maintaining speed or accelerating past an obscured area increases the likelihood of a crash.

Key Concept

Hazard Anticipation and Indirect Cues
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Topics

Defensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation

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