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Difficulty: MediumDefensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation

While driving on a two-lane suburban road, you notice a delivery truck parked along the right curb ahead with its white reverse lights illuminated. What is the safest defensive driving response to anticipate and manage potential hazards?

  1. Reduce speed slightly, cover the brake pedal, and scan for space to shift left or stop safely if the truck backs up.Answer
  2. B
    Accelerate past the parked truck immediately to clear the hazard area before the truck can begin moving backward.
  3. C
    Swerve into the oncoming traffic lane immediately without checking mirrors or blind spots to bypass the truck.
  4. D
    Maintain your current speed and move within two feet of the truck's rear bumper to assert right-of-way.

Answer

Reduce speed slightly, cover the brake pedal, and scan for space to shift left or stop safely if the truck backs up.
Recognizing white reverse lights as a hazard cue allows a defensive driver to slow down and cover the brake. Covering the brake shortens stopping reaction time, giving the driver control to steer around or stop safely if the truck enters the travel lane.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify early hazard cues
Recognize that illuminated white reverse lights indicate an active hazard of a vehicle moving into your path.
Early hazard identification gives the driver extra time and space to react defensively.
2
Adjust vehicle speed and controls
Release the accelerator and position your foot over the brake pedal (covering the brake).
Covering the brake reduces overall stopping distance by cutting down reaction time.
3
Evaluate surrounding traffic space
Check mirrors and blind spots to identify an alternate path of travel or safe stopping area.
Maintaining spatial awareness ensures any evasive maneuver can be executed safely.

Key Concept

Hazard Anticipation and Defensive Reaction
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Topics

Defensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation

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