New York DMV Permit Written TestSafe Driving PracticesHard
You are driving on a multi-lane highway and notice a motorcyclist merging into your lane from your blind spot. What should be your immediate action?
- AMaintain your speed and lane position.
- BSignal and move to an adjacent lane if safe.
- CSpeed up to get ahead of the motorcyclist.
- DGently apply your brakes to create space.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Signal and move to an adjacent lane if safe.
The safest immediate action is to create space for the motorcyclist. If an adjacent lane is open and safe, moving into it provides the most room and avoids sudden braking or acceleration which could destabilize the motorcycle.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Maintaining speed and lane position risks a side-swipe collision as the motorcyclist merges into your current space.
- C. Speeding up is dangerous as it risks a collision if the motorcyclist also accelerates or misjudges your speed.
- D. Gently applying brakes can be an option, but moving to an open lane is generally safer as it creates more space and avoids sudden deceleration.
Motorcycle Blind Spot Merge
Responding safely when a motorcyclist merges from your blind spot, emphasizing creating space.
- Motorcycles are harder to see.
- Always check blind spots.
- Give motorcycles extra space.
Memory trick: When a bike appears, shift your gear, and clear the lane, no fear.