If you come to an intersection and your view to the side is blocked, you should:
Answers
Slow down and look both ways.
Maintain your speed and look both ways.
Stop, then inch forward until you can see clearly in both directions.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: Stop, then inch forward until you can see clearly in both directions.
Explanation:
When approaching an intersection where your view to the side is blocked (for example, by buildings, trees, parked cars, or any other obstruction), it’s crucial to take extra care to ensure it is safe to proceed. Simply slowing down or maintaining speed without clearly seeing the intersection can be dangerous, as it reduces your ability to react to any potential hazards such as other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists approaching.
Here’s why stopping and inching forward is the safest option:
- Visibility: Stopping allows you to assess the situation before proceeding. Once stopped, inching forward helps you gradually improve your line of sight, giving you a better view of any oncoming traffic from both directions. This small, controlled movement can make a significant difference in ensuring you’re not caught off guard.
- Avoiding Blind Spots: Often, obstructions create “blind spots” that limit your ability to see cross traffic. If you don’t stop and inch forward, you may miss the opportunity to notice a vehicle or pedestrian that could be a potential hazard.
- Safety Margin: Moving forward in small increments ensures that you are not rushing into a situation where you can’t fully evaluate the road ahead. This cautious approach prevents accidents and gives you time to make a decision based on clearer information.
- Legal Considerations: In some jurisdictions, failing to stop when your view is obstructed can be a traffic violation. By stopping and inching forward, you’re following best practices for safe driving, which may also be a legal requirement.
In summary, stopping and inching forward until you can clearly see both directions ensures you are taking the safest and most responsible action when your view is blocked at an intersection.