Question

Difficulty: EasyTraffic Calming and Road Surfaces

You are driving along a residential road with a series of road humps installed. What is the safest driving practice to follow when navigating these traffic calming features?

  1. A
    Accelerate sharply between each hump to maintain your previous cruising speed
  2. Maintain a reduced, steady speed throughout the entire calmed zoneAnswer
  3. C
    Apply the footbrake firmly as the front wheels mount each hump
  4. D
    Drive closely along the pavement edge to bypass the raised road profile

Answer

Maintain a reduced, steady speed throughout the entire calmed zone.
Maintaining a steady, reduced speed throughout a traffic-calmed zone is the safest and most efficient method. It prevents excessive wear on the vehicle's suspension and brakes, reduces emissions, and ensures the driver has sufficient time to observe and react to hazards in busy residential areas.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the traffic calming environment and reduce vehicle speed on approach
Vehicle enters the traffic-calmed section at a safe, controlled pace
Traffic calming measures are placed in areas with high pedestrian activity, such as residential zones or school areas, to lower overall vehicle speeds.
2
Select a suitable lower gear and hold a smooth, uniform speed across all humps
Avoids repeated acceleration and harsh braking
Smooth driving minimises vehicle wear, cuts emissions, and provides adequate stopping distance if children or vulnerable road users appear.

Key Concept

Speed management in traffic-calmed areas
Estimated Time:45s
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