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Difficulty: EasyDefensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation

While driving through a commercial area, you notice a delivery truck parked at the right curb with its hazard lights flashing and a pedestrian walking past the front of the truck toward the street. Which of the following is the safest defensive driving action to take?

  1. Slow down, cover the brake pedal, and prepare to yield in case the pedestrian steps into your lane.Answer
  2. B
    Maintain your speed and sound your horn continuously until you have completely passed the truck.
  3. C
    Accelerate quickly to pass the delivery truck before the pedestrian has time to step off the curb.
  4. D
    Swerve into the oncoming traffic lane immediately without slowing down to give the truck extra space.

Answer

Slow down, cover the brake pedal, and prepare to yield in case the pedestrian steps into your lane.
Anticipating that pedestrians may step out from behind visual obstructions like stopped trucks is essential to defensive driving. Reducing speed and covering the brake provides the driver with maximum control and reaction time.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify potential hazards ahead
Recognize that a large parked vehicle blocks the view of pedestrians who may cross unexpectedly.
Defensive driving requires early identification of potential risks before they become emergencies.
2
Take proactive vehicle control actions
Reduce speed and place your foot over the brake pedal without pressing it (covering the brake).
Covering the brake eliminates reaction lag time if an immediate stop becomes necessary.

Key Concept

Hazard anticipation and covering the brake around visual obstructions
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Topics

Defensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation

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