While driving through a commercial area, you notice a delivery truck parked at the right curb ahead with its hazard lights flashing, creating a sightline obstruction near an active storefront entrance. Which defensive driving action should you take as you approach the vehicle?
- Reduce speed, cover the brake, scan beneath and around the truck for pedestrians or exiting traffic, and verify your blind spot before changing lanes or passing.Answer
- BMaintain your posted cruising speed and pass close to the left side of the truck to clear the potential hazard zone as quickly as possible.
- CSteer into the adjacent lane immediately without checking mirrors or shoulder areas to prevent slowing down traffic behind you.
- DAccelerate past the delivery vehicle while continuously sounding your horn to force any hidden pedestrians to wait.
Answer
The correct action is to slow down, cover the brake, scan the area around and beneath the delivery truck for hidden hazards, and check blind spots before safely maneuvering around it.
When a large vehicle obscures your vision near foot traffic or driveways, defensive driving principles dictate lowering speed, covering the brake to eliminate reaction lag, and checking mirrors and blind spots prior to altering your path.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Hazard Anticipation and Visual Obstruction Management