What should you do when a parked car may open its door as you pass?

What should you do when a parked car may open its door as you pass?

• A. Slow and pass with caution, keeping space to react.
• B. Pass quickly without changing speed.
• C. Stop and wait until you can pass with doors closed.
• D. Sound a horn and pass.

Answer: (A)

The main hazard here is dooring—a parked car may suddenly have its door swing open into your path. The best way to handle this is to slow down and pass with caution, keeping extra space to react. Slowing gives you time to see a door start to open or a pedestrian stepping out and to brake or steer away safely instead of being caught off guard. Maintaining a clear margin in the lane also helps you avoid any sudden swerves into oncoming traffic. If you truly cannot pass safely because a door could open or there isn’t enough room, waiting until you can pass with doors closed is a prudent choice, but the default move is to reduce speed and proceed carefully. Speeding through or honking won’t give you the extra reaction time you need, and rushing past increases the chance of a collision.

The main hazard here is dooring—a parked car may suddenly have its door swing open into your path. The best way to handle this is to slow down and pass with caution, keeping extra space to react. Slowing gives you time to see a door start to open or a pedestrian stepping out and to brake or steer away safely instead of being caught off guard. Maintaining a clear margin in the lane also helps you avoid any sudden swerves into oncoming traffic. If you truly cannot pass safely because a door could open or there isn’t enough room, waiting until you can pass with doors closed is a prudent choice, but the default move is to reduce speed and proceed carefully. Speeding through or honking won’t give you the extra reaction time you need, and rushing past increases the chance of a collision.