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Question

Difficulty: MediumCorrect Use of Vehicle Signals

You have slowed down and stopped at a zebra crossing to allow a pedestrian to cross. Why should you avoid flashing your headlights or waving your hand to invite them across?

  1. A
    Flashing headlights should only be used to demand immediate right of way over other traffic
  2. Another vehicle approaching or overtaking may not have seen them and could put them in dangerAnswer
  3. C
    Pedestrians are legally required to give way to all approaching vehicles at zebra crossings
  4. D
    Sounding the horn is the only legally permitted signal to invite pedestrians to cross

Answer

Another road user, such as an overtaking vehicle or cyclist, might not see the pedestrian and could collide with them.
You must never wave or flash your headlights to invite pedestrians to cross. Doing so can cause them to step into the road without checking for other hazards, placing them directly in the path of approaching or overtaking vehicles and cyclists who may not have seen them.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the relevant guidance in The Highway Code regarding signalling to pedestrians.
The Highway Code states that drivers should never wave people across or flash headlights to invite them to cross.
Drivers cannot control the view, speed, or actions of other approaching road users.
2
Assess the potential hazard caused by giving an encouraging signal.
The pedestrian may trust the driver's signal and step into the roadway without checking for overtaking or oncoming traffic.
Pedestrians must make their own independent decision to cross when they judge it is completely safe.

Key Concept

Improper use of vehicle signals to direct or invite other road users
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Correct Use of Vehicle Signals

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