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Difficulty: MediumDefensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation

You are driving down a two-lane road toward an intersection where your signal is a solid green light. An oncoming vehicle is waiting in the intersection to make a left turn across your path, and a pedestrian is standing near the curb preparing to enter the crosswalk. Which of the following actions best demonstrates defensive driving and hazard anticipation in this scenario?

  1. A
    Maintain your current speed because a solid green circular signal gives you absolute right-of-way over turning vehicles and pedestrians.
  2. Ease off the accelerator to cover the brake and scan both the left-turning driver and the pedestrian before proceeding carefully.Answer
  3. C
    Accelerate quickly through the intersection to pass before either the oncoming vehicle turns or the pedestrian steps off the curb.
  4. D
    Steer into the left lane near the intersection to pass around the pedestrian without performing a shoulder check.

Answer

The defensive driver should ease off the accelerator to cover the brake and scan both the left-turning vehicle and the pedestrian before proceeding carefully through the intersection.
Covering the brake and slowing down when approaching potential hazards (such as an oncoming left-turning vehicle and a pedestrian near the roadway) provides the driver with the necessary time and space cushion to react safely if another road user makes an unexpected entry into the lane.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify potential conflict points in the upcoming driving scenario.
Recognize that the oncoming left-turning driver and the pedestrian on the curb present potential hazards.
Hazard anticipation requires scanning ahead to spot potential hazards before they cause an immediate emergency.
2
Adjust vehicle speed and prepare for potential intervention.
Easing off the gas pedal to cover the brake reduces total stopping distance.
Covering the brake eliminates reaction delay if an unexpected maneuver occurs.
3
Scan the intersection continuously while proceeding.
Maintain space cushion and control, ensuring safe passage.
Defensive driving prioritizes safety and hazard avoidance over relying strictly on right-of-way rules.

Key Concept

Defensive Hazard Anticipation at Intersections
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Defensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation

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