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Difficulty: EasyDefensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation

While driving on a city street, you observe the brake lights of several vehicles illuminated three to four cars ahead, although the vehicle directly in front of you has not yet slowed down. Which of the following is the most appropriate defensive driving action to take?

  1. Ease off the accelerator early to create extra space and prepare to brake smoothly.Answer
  2. B
    Maintain your speed until the vehicle directly ahead applies its brakes.
  3. C
    Immediately swerve into the adjacent lane to bypass the impending traffic delay.
  4. D
    Increase your speed to close the distance behind the vehicle ahead.

Answer

Ease off the accelerator early to create extra space and prepare to brake smoothly.
Scanning 10 to 15 seconds ahead allows drivers to detect downstream braking trends early. Easing off the accelerator creates a wider safety buffer and provides maximum reaction time for all surrounding vehicles.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Scan the roadway 10 to 15 seconds ahead to identify potential traffic slowdowns beyond the immediate vehicle.
Early detection of brake lights illuminated several vehicles ahead.
Defensive driving requires anticipating hazards early rather than reacting only when the driver in front brakes.
2
Release the accelerator pedal early to begin decelerating safely.
Increased trailing space cushion and controlled reduction of speed.
Gradual deceleration provides drivers behind you more time to react and prevents sudden emergency braking.

Key Concept

Hazard Anticipation and Visual Scanning
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Defensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation

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