Question

Difficulty: MediumStatic Hazards

Static road features and fixed physical obstructions present unique visibility and spatial challenges. Match each static hazard with the most appropriate defensive driving action.

  • Approaching a blind bend bordered by high stone walls and dense foliage on a narrow country laneReduce speed in good time, keep strictly to the left, and ensure you can stop safely within the distance seen to be clear
  • Approaching a raised pedestrian refuge island that narrows the carriageway while following a cyclistHold back behind the rider and avoid overtaking until both the pinch point and island have been fully cleared
  • Encountering temporary roadworks with a regulatory sign showing a red circle indicating oncoming traffic has prioritySlow down, come to a halt behind the give way line, and wait for oncoming vehicles to pass through the narrowing first
  • Driving alongside a row of parked delivery vans parked tightly along a busy commercial high streetAllow at least a car door's clearance width, reduce speed, and scan underneath the vehicles for pedestrian foot movement

Answer

Blind bend on narrow country lane matches reducing speed to stop within visible clear distance; Pedestrian refuge island with cyclist matches holding back until past the pinch point; Roadworks with oncoming priority sign matches slowing down and yielding behind the give way line; Row of parked delivery vans matches maintaining at least a door's clearance and scanning underneath for pedestrian movement.
Each static hazard requires a specific defensive response: blind rural bends require driving at a speed that permits stopping within the visible clear distance; central islands require holding back behind cyclists to avoid side-swiping at narrow pinch points; priority signage at roadworks mandates giving way to approaching traffic; and parked vans require generous door-width clearance and scanning underneath for pedestrian feet.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the visibility and space limitations imposed by each static hazard scenario.
Identified four distinct risk types: restricted forward sightline on a bend, lateral narrowing around a vulnerable user, a regulatory priority restriction, and obscured pedestrian sightlines from parked vans.
Different static hazards demand distinct defensive positioning, speed adaptation, and priority recognition.
2
Pair each static hazard with its corresponding Highway Code defensive driving standard.
Matched blind bends to stopping within clear sight distance, refuge islands to holding back behind cyclists, roadworks priority signs to yielding at the give way line, and parked vans to lateral clearance and scanning under vehicle bodies.
Applies correct safety margins and Highway Code rules to each physical road obstruction.

Key Concept

Static Hazard Management and Defensive Driving Positioning
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Rate this question