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Question

Difficulty: MediumMoving Hazards

When driving behind a motorcyclist on a wet road with metal drain covers or tram tracks, you should maintain a greater following distance than usual because the rider may need to adjust their path or could lose control on slippery surfaces.

Answer: Answer

Answer

True
The statement is correct because wet metal features such as drain covers, manhole covers, and tram tracks offer very little grip for two-wheeled vehicles. Motorcyclists often need to swerve to avoid them or cross them at specific angles, and the risk of skidding is high. Increasing your following distance ensures you have adequate time to react and stop safely if the rider encounters difficulties.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the dynamic hazard and road conditions.
A motorcyclist (a vulnerable moving hazard) is ahead in wet conditions on a road surface containing slippery metal or tram tracks.
Two-wheeled vehicles have significantly less contact area with the road and are easily destabilised by slick metal surfaces.
2
Determine the necessary defensive driving adjustment.
Increase the separation distance behind the motorcyclist.
The rider may need to alter their line to cross tracks at a safe angle or avoid metal covers, and there is a heightened risk of them falling.
3
Evaluate the validity of the statement.
The statement accurately reflects safe driving practices under the Highway Code.
Maintaining a larger safety cushion provides adequate braking distance if the rider falls or slows down unexpectedly.

Key Concept

Adapting following distance for vulnerable moving hazards on slippery surfaces
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Moving Hazards

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