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Difficulty: MediumDefensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation

As you approach an intersection where the traffic signal has been green for a long distance (a 'stale green light'), which of the following actions best demonstrates defensive driving and hazard anticipation?

  1. Ease off the accelerator and cover the brake pedal to prepare for a potential signal change or unexpected hazard.Answer
  2. B
    Maintain your speed or accelerate slightly to ensure you pass through the intersection before the light can change.
  3. C
    Brake abruptly to come to a full stop before entering the intersection even while the light is still solid green.
  4. D
    Overtake vehicles ahead by executing a quick lane change within 100 feet of the intersection.

Answer

Ease off the accelerator and cover the brake pedal to prepare for a potential signal change or unexpected hazard.
The defensive action for a stale green light is to anticipate a potential phase change by easing off the gas pedal and hovering the foot over the brake. This prepares the driver to stop safely if the light turns yellow or if a pedestrian or vehicle enters the intersection unexpectedly.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the hazard environment
Recognize that a signal that has been green for a long time ('stale green') is likely to change to yellow soon.
Anticipating signal transitions prevents emergency braking or red-light violations.
2
Apply defensive control measures
Release the accelerator and hover the foot over the brake pedal (covering the brake).
Covering the brake significantly reduces total stopping distance by eliminating reaction time lag if a hazard occurs.

Key Concept

Stale Green Light Anticipation and Brake Covering
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Defensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation

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