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Question

Difficulty: MediumCyclists

You are driving behind a cyclist on an urban road with surface water and several drain covers along the left side. Which TWO actions should you take?

  1. Leave extra following distance behind the cyclist in case they need to swerve around surface hazardsAnswer
  2. B
    Sound your horn to instruct the cyclist to move closer to the kerb before you pass
  3. Hold back and only overtake when you can provide at least 1.5 metres of clearanceAnswer
  4. D
    Drive closely behind the cyclist so your dipped headlights illuminate the road immediately in front of them

Answer

Leave extra following distance behind the cyclist and only overtake when you can provide at least 1.5 metres of clearance.
Cyclists need additional space and time to navigate around road defects such as drain covers, potholes, and puddles, which become especially hazardous and slippery when wet. Drivers should maintain an extended following distance and only attempt to overtake when road conditions allow at least 1.5 metres of side clearance.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the roadway environment and the specific risks faced by the vulnerable road user.
Identify that wet road surfaces, standing water, and metal drain covers represent significant slip and steering hazards for a cyclist.
Cyclists need extra room to deviate from the road edge to maintain stability over compromised surfaces.
2
Determine the appropriate following distance.
Increase the separation gap behind the cyclist rather than following closely.
A generous safety margin prevents putting pressure on the rider and gives sufficient reaction time if the cyclist swerves or stops abruptly.
3
Apply Highway Code overtaking clearance rules.
Wait until the oncoming lane is sufficiently clear to pass with a minimum of 1.5 metres of clearance.
Passing too closely or rushing past without adequate side clearance violates road safety regulations and endangers the cyclist.

Key Concept

Safe following distance and minimum passing clearance for cyclists on compromised road surfaces
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Cyclists

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