Question

Difficulty: MediumMoving Hazards

You are driving along a two-way road when an oncoming car pulls out into your lane to overtake a cyclist. Arrange the steps you should take in the correct chronological order to safely manage this moving hazard.

  1. 1Check your rear-view mirror to assess following traffic.
  2. 2Ease off the accelerator and brake smoothly to reduce your speed.
  3. 3Move towards the left side of your lane to increase lateral clearance.
  4. 4Bring your vehicle to a controlled stop if the road space remains obstructed.

Answer

Check rear-view mirror → Ease off accelerator and brake smoothly → Move towards the left side of your lane → Bring your vehicle to a controlled stop if needed
When handling a moving hazard such as an oncoming vehicle in your lane, early defensive action is essential. You must first check your rear-view mirror to know what is behind you, smoothly decelerate to reduce the closing speed, position your vehicle to the left to provide space, and be prepared to stop completely if the hazard does not clear.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Check rear-view mirror
Awareness of vehicles travelling behind you.
Allows you to judge how firmly you can brake without increasing the risk of being rear-ended.
2
Ease off accelerator and brake progressively
Speed is reduced safely and closing distance increases.
Gives all road users extra time to react and lowers collision impact risk.
3
Reposition towards the left kerb/verge within your lane
Lateral passing space is maximised.
Creates a wider safety corridor for the oncoming vehicle to pass the cyclist.
4
Come to a complete stop if necessary
Eliminates forward momentum.
A defensive driver yields space and stops if an oncoming road user misjudges an overtake.

Key Concept

Defensive reaction sequence when handling an oncoming vehicle overtaking in your lane
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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