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Difficulty: EasyDefensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation

While driving on a city street, you see a public transit bus stopped ahead at a designated bus stop. As a defensive driver, which potential hazard should you anticipate when approaching and passing the stopped bus?

  1. A
    Accelerating past the bus quickly to reduce your time spent near the hazard
  2. Pedestrians stepping out into the street from directly in front of the bus where your view is blockedAnswer
  3. C
    Relying exclusively on side mirrors to confirm that no pedestrians are near the bus
  4. D
    Assuming pedestrians will always yield to your vehicle since you are traveling in a marked traffic lane

Answer

Pedestrians stepping out into the street from directly in front of the bus where your view is blocked
Defensive driving requires drivers to scan ahead and anticipate hazards obscured by large objects. Passengers exiting a stopped public transit bus frequently attempt to cross the street by walking in front of the bus. Because the body of the bus blocks the view between crossing pedestrians and passing vehicles, defensive drivers must slow down and prepare for pedestrians stepping into their lane unexpectedly.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify potential visual obstructions along the roadway ahead
Recognize that a large stopped vehicle, such as a transit bus, blocks your vision of pedestrians who have just exited.
Hazard anticipation begins with recognizing situations where vision is limited.
2
Evaluate high-risk driver and pedestrian behaviors in the scenario
Anticipate that pedestrians frequently cross in front of stopped buses without looking for oncoming traffic.
Defensive driving involves predicting mistakes other road users are likely to make.
3
Determine appropriate defensive vehicle management
Reduce speed, cover the brake, and maintain a generous lateral space buffer when passing.
Slowing down gives you sufficient time and distance to react if a pedestrian steps into your path.

Key Concept

Hazard Anticipation Near Stopped Transit Vehicles
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Topics

Defensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation

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