Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumOlder and Disabled People

In a residential area, a person using a powered mobility scooter is travelling ahead of you in the road because the pavement is blocked. How should you respond?

  1. A
    Flash your headlights to instruct the rider to move out of your way
  2. Remain behind at a safe distance and pass with ample room when the oncoming lane is clearAnswer
  3. C
    Squeeze past within your lane alongside parked vehicles without waiting for oncoming traffic
  4. D
    Steer sharply into the opposing lane to overtake without checking vehicle blind spots

Answer

Remain behind at a safe distance and pass with ample room when the oncoming lane is clear
Under the Highway Code, powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters are permitted on the carriageway, especially when pavements are blocked or unsuitable. Because of their lower speed and vulnerability, drivers must remain patient, hold back at a safe separation distance, and only pass when there is adequate space and oncoming traffic is completely clear.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the mobility scooter as a vulnerable road user legitimately using the carriageway due to blocked footpaths.
Recognise that the scooter is travelling at a low speed (maximum 8 mph on roads) and requires extra consideration.
The Highway Code requires drivers to show patience and care towards disabled and older road users.
2
Assess the road ahead, check mirrors and blind spots, and judge the clearance required to pass safely.
Hold back at a safe distance until there is a clear view and a wide enough gap in oncoming traffic.
Rushing or squeezing past in narrow spaces creates severe hazard risks.
3
Execute the overtake with generous lateral clearance (at least as much room as you would give a car) once the road is completely clear.
The manoeuvre is completed safely without startling or endangering the scooter rider.
Ensures full compliance with safe overtaking rules for vulnerable road users.

Key Concept

Consideration and safe passing procedures for powered mobility scooters and disabled road users on carriageways
Estimated Time:45s
Rate this question

Topics

Older and Disabled People

More questions from this topic