California DMV Permit Test (Class C)Safe Driving PracticesHard
You are driving through a residential area with parked cars on both sides of the street. To maintain a safe driving environment, what is the best practice regarding your lane position?
- ADrive as close to the center line as possible to avoid parked cars.
- BSpeed up to get through the congested area quickly.
- CMaintain a lane position that provides a safe buffer from parked cars and allows for unexpected openings of doors or pedestrians.
- DDrive closer to the parked cars to give more space to oncoming traffic.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Maintain a lane position that provides a safe buffer from parked cars and allows for unexpected openings of doors or pedestrians.
When driving next to parked cars, you should maintain a lane position that gives you enough space to react if a car door opens suddenly, a child runs out from between cars, or someone steps into the street. This means avoiding driving too close to either the parked cars or the center line if it compromises safety.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Driving too close to the center line might put you in conflict with oncoming traffic or reduce your buffer from them.
- B. Speeding up in a residential area with parked cars is highly unsafe and increases the risk of accidents.
- D. Driving closer to parked cars is dangerous due to the risk of doors opening or pedestrians appearing suddenly.
Space Cushion (Parked Cars)
Maintaining a safe lateral distance from parked vehicles to mitigate hazards.
- Parked cars create potential hazards (doors, pedestrians).
- Adjust lane position to create a buffer zone.
- Avoid driving too close to either side.
Memory trick: Parked cars are tricky, give them space, avoid the sticky situations with grace.