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Difficulty: MediumTraffic Calming and Road Surfaces

As you navigate a built-up area fitted with speed cushions, what should you do to negotiate them safely?

  1. A
    Steer towards the kerb into the cycle lane to avoid the raised surface
  2. Maintain a steady, moderate speed and keep your vehicle centrally positioned over each cushionAnswer
  3. C
    Accelerate briskly in the gaps between cushions to maintain your overall journey time
  4. D
    Brake firmly whilst your tyres are mounting the ramped edge of the cushion

Answer

Maintain a steady, moderate speed and keep your vehicle centrally positioned over each cushion.
Maintaining a steady, reduced speed and keeping the vehicle positioned centrally allows the wheels to pass evenly on either side of the speed cushion, ensuring maximum stability, minimal suspension impact, and leaving cycle paths clear for vulnerable road users.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the layout and width of the speed cushions ahead
Identify that the speed cushions are spaced to allow standard car tracks to straddle them centrally while leaving clear space for cyclists near the kerb.
Speed cushions are specifically engineered to slow wider four-wheeled vehicles without forcing them to swerve into cycle paths or gutters.
2
Adjust vehicle speed smoothly before reaching the first cushion
Vehicle reaches an appropriate, steady speed (typically 15–20 mph) without late or harsh braking.
Braking prior to the obstacle ensures the suspension is settled, protecting vehicle components and maintaining tyre grip.
3
Hold a central lane position and maintain a uniform speed throughout the zone
The car glides over the cushions smoothly without surging, swerving, or endangering vulnerable road users.
Maintaining consistent speed avoids the hazards of erratic acceleration and braking while keeping cycle lanes unobstructed.

Key Concept

Proper lane positioning and smooth speed management over speed cushions in traffic-calmed zones
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Traffic Calming and Road Surfaces

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