When passing a bicyclist, you should:
Blast your horn to alert the bicyclist.
Give them at least four feet of space.
Remain on the right side of your lane.
Put on your four-way flashers.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: Give them at least four feet of space.
Explanation:
When passing a bicyclist on the road, it is essential to prioritize their safety and provide ample space to minimize the risk of an accident. Many jurisdictions and traffic laws mandate that drivers must give cyclists a safe clearance distance, typically at least three to four feet, to ensure that they are not at risk of being hit by the vehicle. This safety buffer protects cyclists from accidental contact with vehicles, especially if the driver needs to make a sudden movement or if the cyclist wobbles or shifts position.
Passing a bicyclist too closely can lead to dangerous situations. Even at low speeds, a sudden shift or a close pass may cause the cyclist to lose balance, fall, or be knocked off the road, potentially resulting in serious injuries. Providing sufficient clearance ensures that the cyclist has enough space to maintain control and respond to any unexpected circumstances.
Why not the other options?
- Blast your horn to alert the bicyclist: Using your horn can startle a cyclist and lead to an unexpected reaction, which may result in an accident. It is better to use caution and maintain a safe distance.
- Remain on the right side of your lane: While it is necessary to stay in the correct lane, this option doesn’t directly address how much space should be given to the bicyclist when passing. Simply staying in the lane doesn’t guarantee a safe distance.
- Put on your four-way flashers: This is unnecessary and could confuse other drivers or cyclists. Four-way flashers are typically used to indicate a vehicle is stopped or experiencing a problem; they don’t communicate a need for safe passing.
In summary, giving a bicyclist at least four feet of space when passing ensures their safety and adheres to proper road-sharing practices.