California DMV Permit Test (Class C)Safe Driving PracticesMedium
You are driving on a multi-lane highway and notice a car several car lengths ahead of you is driving significantly slower than the flow of traffic, but within the posted speed limit. What is the safest action to take?
- AFlash your headlights and honk your horn to encourage them to speed up.
- BMaintain your current speed and follow closely to make them aware of your presence.
- CPass the vehicle using the left-most lane, ensuring you signal properly.
- DSlow down to match their speed and remain behind them, even if it disrupts traffic flow.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Pass the vehicle using the left-most lane, ensuring you signal properly.
If a vehicle is driving slower than the flow of traffic, even if within the speed limit, it can impede traffic. The safest and most legal action is to pass them using an available passing lane, ensuring you signal properly and do so safely.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is aggressive and can agitate the other driver, potentially causing an unsafe reaction.
- B. Following closely is tailgating, which is dangerous and illegal, regardless of the other driver's speed.
- D. Matching their speed and remaining behind them indefinitely can contribute to traffic congestion and road rage from drivers behind you.
Dealing with Slower Traffic
On multi-lane roads, if a vehicle is significantly slower than traffic flow, safely pass them in an available passing lane after ensuring it is safe and legal to do so.
- Avoid aggressive actions like honking or flashing lights.
- Use designated passing lanes (usually left-most).
- Signal intentions clearly.
- Maintain safe following distance before and after passing.
- Do not impede traffic flow unnecessarily.
Memory trick: Slowpoke ahead? Pass with care, no road rage despair.