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Difficulty: MediumDefensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation

You are approaching an intersection where the traffic signal has been green for a long period of time as you drive toward it (a 'stale green light'). Which action best demonstrates proper hazard anticipation and defensive driving?

  1. Reduce speed slightly, cover the brake pedal, and prepare to stop if the light changes to yellow before reaching the intersection.Answer
  2. B
    Accelerate to cross the stop line as quickly as possible before the signal changes.
  3. C
    Maintain your current speed and assume oncoming left-turning traffic will yield even if the light turns yellow while crossing.
  4. D
    Bring your vehicle to a complete stop before the crosswalk while the signal is still green to avoid any potential light change.

Answer

Reduce speed slightly, cover the brake pedal, and prepare to stop if the light changes to yellow before reaching the intersection.
Anticipating that a signal light that has been green for a long time ('stale green') could change at any moment is a core defensive driving skill. Easing off the gas and covering the brake pedal prepares the driver to stop safely if the light turns yellow before reaching the decision point.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the potential hazard condition.
Recognize that a signal light green for a long duration is likely to turn yellow soon.
Hazard anticipation requires predicting signal timing changes early.
2
Adjust control and posture.
Ease off the accelerator and cover the brake pedal.
Covering the brake reduces overall reaction time and stopping distance if a stop becomes necessary.
3
Determine safe action based on intersection proximity.
Proceed smoothly if the signal remains green and safe, or execute a gradual stop if it transitions to yellow prior to the point of no return.
Ensures full vehicle control without erratic speed changes.

Key Concept

Stale Green Light Anticipation and Brake Covering
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Topics

Defensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation

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