Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumDefensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation

While driving on a multi-lane urban road, you observe a cascade of brake lights activating several vehicles ahead in your lane, even though the traffic light at the upcoming intersection is green. What is the safest defensive driving response?

  1. A
    Maintain your current speed until the vehicle directly ahead applies its brakes, ensuring you do not disrupt the flow of traffic.
  2. Ease off the accelerator and cover the brake pedal while checking your rearview mirror to prepare for a safe stop.Answer
  3. C
    Immediately steer into the adjacent lane to bypass the slowing traffic before your vehicle decelerates.
  4. D
    Maintain your speed and sound your horn to alert drivers ahead that the traffic signal is currently green.

Answer

Ease off the accelerator and cover the brake pedal while checking your rearview mirror to prepare for a safe stop.
Defensive driving requires scanning far ahead to anticipate potential hazards. Seeing brake lights cascade downstream indicates an obstacle or slowdown ahead. Easing off the gas and covering the brake prepares the driver to stop safely while checking rear traffic prevents abrupt maneuvers.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify early hazard indicators downstream.
Recognize that multiple brake lights ahead signal a potential blockage or hazard regardless of the green light.
Defensive driving requires scanning 10 to 15 seconds ahead to spot hazards before they become immediate emergencies.
2
Adjust control inputs proactively.
Release the accelerator pedal and position your foot over the brake (cover the brake) without hard braking.
Covering the brake significantly reduces stopping distance if a full stop becomes necessary.
3
Check surroundings and rear space cushion.
Check the rearview mirror to assess trailing vehicles.
Monitoring behind ensures you can decelerate smoothly without getting rear-ended by tailgaters.

Key Concept

Defensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Rate this question

Topics

Defensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation

More questions from this topic