When a car driver is preparing to enter an intersection, what should you do to maintain a space cushion?

When a car driver is preparing to enter an intersection, what should you do to maintain a space cushion?

• A. Speed up to get ahead of the vehicle.
• B. Pull in tightly behind the vehicle.
• C. Slow down and move away from the vehicle after entering the intersection.
• D. Maintain your current speed and position.

Answer: (C)

Maintaining a space cushion means leaving room to react if other drivers change speed or direction. When a car is preparing to enter an intersection, slow down and move away from that vehicle after it enters the intersection so you’re not in its path and you have room to maneuver if it stops suddenly or turns. Rushing to get ahead reduces your margin and can put you into the other driver’s potential path or blind spots. Keeping a tight distance behind also tightens your cushion and raises the risk if the vehicle brakes or turns unexpectedly. Staying at your current speed and position doesn’t increase your safety margin. Slowing down and creating distance gives you the time and space needed to react safely.

Maintaining a space cushion means leaving room to react if other drivers change speed or direction. When a car is preparing to enter an intersection, slow down and move away from that vehicle after it enters the intersection so you’re not in its path and you have room to maneuver if it stops suddenly or turns. Rushing to get ahead reduces your margin and can put you into the other driver’s potential path or blind spots. Keeping a tight distance behind also tightens your cushion and raises the risk if the vehicle brakes or turns unexpectedly. Staying at your current speed and position doesn’t increase your safety margin. Slowing down and creating distance gives you the time and space needed to react safely.