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Difficulty: MediumDefensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation

You are driving at 40 mph on an urban arterial road and approaching an intersection where the traffic signal has been green for a long distance ahead (a stale green light). As you near the point of decision, what is the most effective defensive driving procedure to anticipate potential hazards?

  1. Ease off the accelerator, cover the brake pedal, and scan the intersection for cross-traffic and potential signal changes.Answer
  2. B
    Accelerate slightly to ensure your vehicle clears the intersection before the signal initiates a yellow phase.
  3. C
    Maintain full cruising speed while flashing your high-beam headlights to alert waiting cross-traffic of your right-of-way.
  4. D
    Apply the brakes firmly to bring your vehicle to a complete stop prior to the crosswalk, regardless of signal status.

Answer

Ease off the accelerator, cover the brake pedal, and scan the intersection for cross-traffic and potential signal changes.
Easing off the accelerator, covering the brake, and actively scanning the intersection is the proper defensive driving response to a stale green light. This prepares the driver to stop safely if the light changes while keeping total control of the vehicle.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the hazard type
Recognize that a green light which has been green for a long time (a stale green) is highly likely to change to yellow soon.
Anticipating signal changes prevents emergency braking or running red lights.
2
Adjust vehicle control and speed profile
Remove your foot from the accelerator and place it hovering over the brake pedal (covering the brake).
Covering the brake eliminates reaction time delay if a stop becomes necessary.
3
Scan the environment
Check left, center, right, and rear-view mirrors for pedestrians, turning vehicles, or trailing drivers.
Scanning ensures total visual awareness of potential conflict points before entering the intersection.

Key Concept

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

Defensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation

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