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Question

Difficulty: HardPedestrians

You are driving at night on an unlit country road that has no pavements. As you approach a sharp right-hand bend, you see a pedestrian walking ahead on the left-hand side of the road in your direction of travel. What is the safest course of action to take?

  1. A
    Flash your headlights repeatedly and sound the horn to instruct the pedestrian to cross to the right-hand side of the road immediately
  2. B
    Focus entirely on the pedestrian's position and maintain your speed while steering tightly against the right-hand verge
  3. Slow down significantly, give the pedestrian wide clearance, and be prepared to stop if oncoming traffic approaches around the bendAnswer
  4. D
    Accelerate promptly to pass the pedestrian before reaching the apex of the bend without checking behind you

Answer

Slow down significantly, give the pedestrian wide clearance, and be prepared to stop if oncoming traffic approaches around the bend
Under Highway Code Rule 2, pedestrians walking along roads without pavements are advised to walk facing oncoming traffic on the right, but should cross over to the left side before a sharp right-hand bend so oncoming traffic can see them in good time. When encountering this, drivers must reduce their speed considerably, allow plenty of passing clearance, and be ready to halt if an oncoming vehicle rounds the bend.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the pedestrian's legitimate positioning under the Highway Code
Recognise that although pedestrians normally walk on the right of roads without footpaths, Rule 2 advises them to cross to the left side before sharp right-hand bends to improve mutual visibility with oncoming traffic.
Understanding pedestrian guidance prevents inappropriate reactions such as intimidating signals or aggressive manoeuvres.
2
Assess the combined road hazards
Identify that the combination of darkness, lack of pavement, a vulnerable pedestrian in your lane, and a blind bend significantly restricts sightlines and escape routes.
A blind bend conceals potential oncoming traffic that could meet you simultaneously while passing the pedestrian.
3
Execute defensive vehicle control
Reduce speed considerably, leave plenty of room when passing, and hold a speed that allows stopping well within the clear distance visible ahead.
This guarantees safe passing clearance and protects both the pedestrian and oncoming road users.

Key Concept

Highway Code Rule 2 pedestrian rural bend behaviour and defensive passing speed
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Pedestrians

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