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Question

Difficulty: EasyChildren

You are driving along a residential street and see an ice cream van parked ahead at the left kerb. What should you do as you approach?

  1. A
    Maintain your speed and sound your horn to warn any pedestrians of your presence
  2. Slow down significantly and be prepared to stop if children suddenly emerge into the roadAnswer
  3. C
    Accelerate briskly past the vehicle to clear the potential hazard zone as quickly as possible
  4. D
    Flash your headlights repeatedly so that children know to stay on the pavement

Answer

Slow down significantly and be prepared to stop if children suddenly emerge into the road.
Ice cream vans attract children who may be excited, distracted, and unaware of oncoming traffic. Drivers should reduce speed considerably, look out for children stepping out from behind or in front of the vehicle, and be ready to stop immediately if needed.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the hazard created by the parked ice cream van.
Recognise that children are likely to be gathered nearby, often excited and distracted.
Young children have difficulty judging traffic speed and distance and may cross impulsively.
2
Adjust your driving speed and prepare your vehicle controls.
Reduce vehicle speed significantly, keep a wide clearance if possible, and cover the brake pedal.
Lower speed dramatically decreases stopping distance and reduces the risk and severity of a collision.

Key Concept

Anticipating unpredictable child pedestrian behaviour around ice cream vans and parked vehicles.
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Children

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