When passing a row of parked vehicles, you should:
Answers
Be prepared for a person or vehicle to unexpectedly enter your lane.
Expect all other drivers and pedestrians to respect your right-of-way.
Drive closely to the parked vehicles to allow more room for moving traffic.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: Be prepared for a person or vehicle to unexpectedly enter your lane.
When passing a row of parked vehicles, drivers should always be cautious and alert for unexpected hazards. One of the key risks is that pedestrians, bicyclists, or other vehicles may suddenly emerge from between the parked cars or may be moving in the opposite direction, requiring the driver to react quickly.
Here are a few reasons why it’s essential to be prepared for such situations:
- Pedestrians and Bicyclists: Pedestrians may be walking between the parked vehicles, often without being visible from a distance. They may step out without looking, and there might not be sufficient warning for the driver. Similarly, bicyclists may be riding along the edge of the road and could suddenly move to avoid obstacles or avoid being hit by a parked vehicle opening its door.
- Opening Car Doors: Parked cars often have people inside who may open their doors without checking for oncoming traffic. This is known as “dooring.” Drivers need to anticipate this and be ready to stop or swerve to avoid hitting an open door, which could cause serious injury or damage.
- Vehicles Pulling Out: Drivers of parked vehicles may suddenly reverse out of their spots or pull forward without noticing approaching vehicles. This is especially common in tight parking areas or when drivers have limited visibility.
- Limited Visibility: The presence of parked vehicles limits a driver’s ability to see oncoming traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians. This can obscure important visual cues that might allow the driver to anticipate the next move.
In contrast, expecting other drivers or pedestrians to always respect the right-of-way or driving too closely to parked vehicles to allow more room for moving traffic increases the risk of an accident. Always being prepared for potential hazards and reacting cautiously is the best strategy when navigating areas with parked vehicles.