You are driving in the right-hand lane of a multi-lane city street approaching an intersection with a solid green traffic signal. In the adjacent left lane, a large box truck slows down and comes to a complete stop just before the crosswalk. Which of the following is the safest defensive driving action to take?
- Slow down and prepare to stop before the crosswalk, anticipating that a pedestrian may be crossing in front of the stopped truck.Answer
- BMaintain your posted speed and proceed through the intersection since your lane has a solid green light.
- CAccelerate quickly past the truck to clear the intersection before any potential hazard enters your lane.
- DSound your horn continuously while maintaining speed to alert others that you have the right-of-way.
Answer
Slow down and prepare to stop before the crosswalk, anticipating that a pedestrian may be crossing in front of the stopped truck.
When an adjacent vehicle stops unexpectedly at an intersection crosswalk, defensive drivers anticipate that it is yielding to a pedestrian hidden by the vehicle's profile. Decelerating and preparing to stop provides the necessary sight time and braking distance to avoid a collision.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Defensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation