Examkin

Question

Difficulty: HardConsideration for Vulnerable Road Users

You are driving along a narrow country lane at 30 mph and encounter two horse riders ahead. The road curves sharply to the right with hidden visibility, and a stationary delivery van is parked on the left verge just past the bend. What is the safest and most considerate course of action to take?

  1. A
    Sound your horn briefly to alert the horse riders of the blind bend and accelerate past them quickly before reaching the stationary van.
  2. Reduce your speed to 10 mph or less, stay well back without revving the engine, and wait patiently until you have navigated the bend and have a clear view to pass with at least 2 metres of clearance.Answer
  3. C
    Flash your headlights repeatedly to signal oncoming road users to yield, then overtake the horses closely before the road narrows.
  4. D
    Overtake the horses immediately at normal speed and pull in tightly in front of the stationary delivery van on the left without slowing down.

Answer

Reduce your speed to 10 mph or less, stay well back without revving the engine, and wait patiently until you have navigated the bend and have a clear view to pass with at least 2 metres of clearance.
The correct action follows Highway Code Rule 215 and the Hierarchy of Road Users. Drivers must slow down to a maximum of 10 mph when approaching horses, remain patient, keep engine revs low, and refrain from sounding the horn. Because the bend obscures the view of oncoming traffic and the parked van restricts space, the driver must hold back until there is adequate vision and room to give at least 2 metres of clearance.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the immediate hazards and vulnerable road users ahead.
Identify the horses, the approaching blind bend, and the parked delivery van limiting forward visibility and road space.
Horse riders are vulnerable road users who can be easily startled by vehicle noise or sudden movements.
2
Adjust speed and following position in accordance with the Highway Code.
Slow down to 10 mph or less, maintain low engine revs, and stay well back from the animals.
Rule 215 of the Highway Code specifies passing horses at a maximum of 10 mph without loud engine noise or horn usage.
3
Hold back until the road ahead is completely visible and safe.
Wait until the blind bend and the parked vehicle are safely cleared with an unobstructed view of oncoming traffic.
Overtaking requires at least 2 metres (6.5 feet) of safe clearance, which cannot be guaranteed on a blind bend.

Key Concept

Highway Code rules for passing vulnerable road users (equestrians) with appropriate speed, noise control, and spatial clearance
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Rate this question

Topics

Consideration for Vulnerable Road Users

More questions from this topic