What should you do when you identify a potential hazard while driving?

Identifying a potential hazard while driving requires a thoughtful response to ensure safety. The correct approach is to decide what to do, which means taking a moment to assess the situation. This can involve evaluating the nature of the hazard, considering your speed and surroundings, and determining the safest course of action.

Making a decision allows you to prioritize safety and consider options such as slowing down, changing lanes cautiously, or preparing to stop if necessary. This proactive response is crucial in preventing accidents and maintaining control of the vehicle.

In contrast, ignoring a potential hazard can lead to dangerous situations, as it often prevents you from reacting appropriately to something that could endanger yourself or other road users. Accelerating to pass quickly is a risky maneuver that does not account for the potential hazard, possibly leading to a loss of control. Changing lanes immediately without assessing the situation can also result in collisions if other drivers are not aware of your sudden action. Evaluating the hazard first and then deciding how to act is the key to maintaining safety on the road.