While driving through a urban street with parked cars along the right curb, you observe exhaust fumes emitting from a parked vehicle and its brake lights illuminate briefly. What is the safest defensive driving response to this situation?
- Ease off the accelerator, cover the brake, and adjust your lane position slightly left within your lane to maintain a safe distance.Answer
- BMaintain your speed and sound your horn continuously to demand that the driver remain parked until you pass.
- CAccelerate quickly to pass the parked vehicle before the driver has an opportunity to enter your lane.
- DSwerve immediately into the oncoming traffic lane to give the parked car maximum space.
Answer
The safest defensive response is to reduce speed, cover the brake pedal, and shift slightly to the left within your lane to create space for potential hazards such as an opening car door or a pulling-out vehicle.
Recognizing exhaust fumes and brake lights on a parked car allows a driver to anticipate that the vehicle may pull out or that an occupant may open a door into the travel lane. Covering the brake and adjusting lane position creates both a time buffer and spatial buffer to respond safely.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Defensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation
Estimated Time:1m 0s