If a hazard cannot be navigated safely at speed, what is the recommended action?

• A. Stop and reassess.
• B. Push through the hazard quickly.
• C. Speed up to clear the hazard.
• D. Ignore the hazard and continue.

Answer: (A)

Safety comes first when you encounter a hazard you can’t safely navigate at your current speed. The best action is to stop and reassess. Stopping gives you back control, lets you evaluate the hazard more clearly, and lets you decide whether you can proceed safely, around it, or if you need to wait for it to clear. It also reduces your braking distance and reaction time pressures, so you’re less likely to crash or collide with objects, pedestrians, or other road users. Pushing through quickly, speeding up to clear the hazard, or ignoring it ignores the risk and almost always leads to a loss of control or a collision. After stopping, look for a safe path, signal your intent, and proceed only when you’ve determined it’s safe.