While travelling through an urban neighbourhood, you notice an ice cream van parked ahead at the kerbside with several children queuing near the road. In what chronological sequence should you carry out the following actions to negotiate this hazard safely?
- 1Check your interior and door mirrors to assess the proximity of vehicles behind.
- 2Reduce your vehicle's speed smoothly and cover the footbrake in anticipation of sudden hazards.
- 3Scan the pavement, the gaps around the vehicle, and beneath its chassis for emerging pedestrians.
- 4Pass the stationary vehicle with ample clearance at a slow, controlled speed once the route is clear.
Answer
The correct chronological sequence is: first, check your interior and door mirrors; second, reduce speed smoothly and cover the footbrake; third, scan around and beneath the stationary vehicle for emerging children; and finally, pass the vehicle with wide clearance at a slow, controlled speed once confirmed clear.
Under the UK Highway Code and safe driving principles, drivers must exercise heightened care around vehicles that attract children. The standard Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre routine dictates checking mirrors first to gauge trailing traffic, slowing down and covering the brake to eliminate reaction delay, scanning thoroughly for obscured pedestrians (including looking beneath the vehicle), and finally passing slowly with plenty of clearance once the way is clear.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Consideration and defensive driving protocols when encountering vulnerable child pedestrians around stationary attractions
Estimated Time:1m 0s