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Difficulty: MediumDefensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation

You are driving along a two-lane road and notice a commercial delivery van stopped on the right shoulder with its hazard lights flashing, partially obstructing your sightline of an upcoming crosswalk. As you approach this situation, which of the following actions represents the best defensive driving practice?

  1. Reduce your speed, cover your brake pedal, and scan for pedestrians who may step out from in front of the stopped vehicle.Answer
  2. B
    Maintain your posted speed limit since you have the right-of-way and the delivery van is stopped outside your lane of travel.
  3. C
    Accelerate slightly and move into the opposing lane near the crosswalk to quickly pass the hazard zone.
  4. D
    Swerve toward the center line immediately without checking rear-view or side mirrors, focusing solely on the delivery van.

Answer

The driver should reduce speed, cover the brake pedal, and scan carefully for pedestrians who may emerge from around the stopped delivery vehicle.
When a stationary vehicle blocks the view of a crosswalk or sidewalk area, defensive drivers anticipate potential hidden hazards (such as pedestrians exiting from in front of the vehicle). Slowing down and covering the brake prepares the driver to stop instantly if necessary.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the hazard and sightline obstruction
Recognize that a large parked vehicle blocks the view of potential pedestrians at the crosswalk.
Defensive driving requires anticipating hazards in areas where sight distance is restricted.
2
Adjust vehicle speed and readiness
Ease off the accelerator and place the foot hovering over the brake pedal (covering the brake).
Covering the brake significantly reduces total stopping distance by eliminating reaction lag time if an unexpected hazard appears.
3
Scan the area continuously
Look around and under the stopped vehicle for movement or signs of pedestrians.
Early detection allows for smooth, controlled stopping without emergency braking maneuvers.

Key Concept

Hazard anticipation and sightline management
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Topics

Defensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation

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