Question

Difficulty: HardPedestrian Crossings

You are driving down a hill on a wet road and approach a Zebra crossing where pedestrians are waiting at the kerb. What is the correct sequence of actions you should take from your initial approach until you safely drive on?

  1. 1Check your mirrors and initiate smooth, progressive braking well before reaching the zigzag markings to account for the wet road conditions.
  2. 2Bring the vehicle to a controlled stop before the broken give-way line, keeping the crossing area completely unobstructed.
  3. 3Apply the parking brake and remain stationary, refraining from waving pedestrians across, flashing headlights, or revving the engine.
  4. 4Wait until all pedestrians have safely stepped onto the opposite pavement, conduct all-round mirror and blind-spot checks, and move off smoothly.

Answer

The correct sequence begins with checking mirrors and braking early before the zigzag markings, followed by stopping before the broken give-way line, securing the vehicle with the parking brake without beckoning pedestrians, and finally completing all-round observation checks before moving off once the pedestrians are safely on the pavement.
The correct procedure follows the standard Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre routine adapted for pedestrian crossings: early speed management before the zigzag area, a definitive stop behind the give-way marking, securing the vehicle while giving precedence without hazardous beckoning gestures, and conducting comprehensive safety checks after pedestrians have fully cleared the roadway.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Check rear-view and side mirrors, then begin progressive braking well before the zigzag road markings.
Following drivers are alerted in good time, and speed is safely shed on the slippery downhill slope.
Wet roads double braking distances, requiring early planning before reaching the hazard zone.
2
Stop smoothly and squarely behind the broken give-way line.
The vehicle is positioned legally without encroaching on the pedestrian path.
Rule 195 of the Highway Code requires drivers to give way to pedestrians on or waiting at a Zebra crossing.
3
Apply the parking brake (handbrake) and wait patiently without gesturing, flashing headlights, or sounding the horn.
The vehicle is safely anchored against rolling, and pedestrians can judge their own crossing safety without false reassurance.
Beckoning pedestrians across can lure them directly into the path of unseen vehicles or cyclists passing in other lanes.
4
Confirm all pedestrians have fully mounted the opposite kerb, perform 360-degree mirror and blind-spot checks, and drive on.
The vehicle departs safely without endangering pedestrians who might turn back or overtaking two-wheelers.
A crossing remains active until pedestrians are safely off the carriageway, and pre-departure checks ensure no new hazards exist.

Key Concept

Highway Code procedures for approaching, giving precedence at, and clearing a Zebra pedestrian crossing under adverse road conditions.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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