When entering a street from a driveway, you:
Answers
Must drive slowly to allow approaching vehicles and pedestrians time to get out of your way.
Must honk your horn so approaching vehicles and pedestrians know to give you room.
Must stop and proceed only when there are no pedestrians or vehicles approaching.
Can disregard any pedestrians if there is no sidewalk.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is:
Must stop and proceed only when there are no pedestrians or vehicles approaching.
Explanation:
When entering a street from a driveway, safety is paramount, and drivers must be cautious and considerate of both pedestrians and other vehicles. The rule for driveway safety is clear: you should stop before entering the street and ensure there are no oncoming vehicles or pedestrians before proceeding.
- Stop and Check for Pedestrians and Vehicles: When leaving a driveway, the driver must stop to check for any potential hazards in the street, including vehicles and pedestrians. This precaution ensures that you do not pose a risk to pedestrians walking on the street or to vehicles that may be approaching. Whether or not there is a sidewalk, you must yield to pedestrians, as their safety is a top priority.
- Why Honking Is Not Required: Honking the horn is generally reserved for alerting others to potential danger or to avoid an accident, not as a means of communicating that you are entering the street. Honking in this scenario is unnecessary and could be alarming or confusing to other drivers or pedestrians. It is not a proper substitute for checking for traffic and waiting for a safe gap.
- Pedestrians Must Always Be Yielded To: Regardless of whether there is a sidewalk or not, pedestrians have the right of way when they are present on the street. Neglecting to yield to pedestrians can lead to serious accidents and potential legal consequences. The absence of a sidewalk does not change this obligation; drivers must still be vigilant about pedestrian safety.
- Driving Slowly: While it’s essential to be cautious and mindful when entering a street from a driveway, simply driving slowly does not provide a driver the right to disregard safety checks. The key is stopping fully and assessing the situation before proceeding.
By following these guidelines, you contribute to safer roadways for all users, ensuring that pedestrians and drivers alike can navigate with confidence and reduced risk of accidents.