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Difficulty: MediumDefensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation

You are driving along a residential street near a playground when you observe a rubber ball roll out into the roadway from between two parked vehicles ahead. Which of the following is the most appropriate defensive driving action to take?

  1. A
    Maintain your current speed and sound your horn continuously to warn anyone about to enter the street.
  2. Immediately ease off the accelerator, cover the brake pedal, and prepare to stop, anticipating a child may follow the ball.Answer
  3. C
    Swerve quickly into the opposite lane without slowing down to maneuver around the ball.
  4. D
    Continue at your posted speed and only apply the brakes if a person actually steps into your path.

Answer

Ease off the accelerator, cover the brake pedal, and prepare to bring the vehicle to a complete stop, anticipating that a child might run into the roadway after the ball.
Recognizing early clues—such as a ball rolling into the street—is a core principle of hazard anticipation. A defensive driver proactively covers the brake to eliminate reaction time lag and reduces vehicle speed in anticipation that a child or pet may run into the roadway.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the early hazard indicator.
Recognize that a ball rolling into the street strongly indicates an impending hazard, such as a child running out.
Defensive driving requires anticipating secondary risks before they fully materialize.
2
Reduce reaction time by covering the brake pedal.
Position the right foot over the brake pedal without depressing it completely, while releasing the accelerator.
Covering the brake eliminates perception-reaction delay, allowing faster stopping if an emergency brake is needed.
3
Assess surrounding traffic and prepare for a safe stop.
Check rearview mirrors to gauge following distance of rear vehicles while keeping focus on the roadway ahead.
Ensures you can stop safely without being rear-ended by tailgating vehicles.

Key Concept

Early Hazard Identification and Covering the Brake
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Defensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation

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