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Difficulty: MediumBuses and Coaches

You are driving along an urban single carriageway and approach a stationary bus that has stopped to let passengers alight. Why should you reduce your speed and take particular care when passing the bus?

  1. A
    The bus driver may sound their horn or flash headlights to force you to stop
  2. Pedestrians who have just alighted may emerge from in front of the bus to cross the roadAnswer
  3. C
    The bus will usually reverse into a parking bay to allow traffic to flow freely
  4. D
    The vehicle behind you will enter your blind spot when you decelerate

Answer

Pedestrians who have just alighted may emerge from in front of the bus to cross the road
When a bus pulls up to set down passengers, there is a significant risk that individuals will attempt to cross the road immediately in front of the vehicle. Because of the size and height of the bus, approaching drivers cannot see the pedestrians, and the pedestrians cannot see oncoming traffic until they step into the carriageway.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary hidden hazard associated with stationary passenger transport vehicles.
Recognise that the bulk of the bus creates a major sight obstruction for both approaching traffic and pedestrians.
Passengers stepping off a bus frequently look to cross the carriageway without walking to a formal crossing.
2
Evaluate the safest driving response when overtaking or passing the vehicle.
Lower speed and scan beneath and around the vehicle body for pedestrian movement.
Reducing speed provides vital thinking and braking distance if someone suddenly steps out from the blind zone created by the front of the bus.

Key Concept

Hidden pedestrian hazards when passing stationary buses
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Buses and Coaches

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