When driving past a vehicle that has just stopped in a parked position on the side of the road, you should:
- Assume that the driver will open the car door as you approach. ✓
- Speed up.
- Slam on your brakes.
- Assume that the driver will wait for you to pass before opening the door.
Answer: A. Assume that the driver will open the car door as you approach.
When you pass a vehicle that has just stopped in a parked position on the side of the road, assume that the driver may open the car door as you approach.
Why this is the answer
The handbook warns that even a parked vehicle can cause a crash. It tells drivers to check behind them for traffic before opening a car door, so a door can swing into your path. It also describes shared lane markings that help bicyclists avoid hitting an open door of a parked vehicle. That makes the open door a real hazard to plan for, so the safe assumption while passing is that someone may open a door.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. Speed up. — Speeding up is wrong because the passages treat parked vehicles and open doors as a crash risk, so passing faster leaves less room to respond.
- C. Slam on your brakes. — Slamming on your brakes is wrong because nothing in the passages says a parked car requires an emergency stop; the issue is watching for a door that may open.
- D. Assume that the driver will wait for you to pass before opening the door. — Assuming the driver will wait for you is wrong because the handbook tells people to check behind before opening a door, which shows the door can open into traffic rather than being guaranteed to stay shut.
Remember it
Treat every parked car as a door waiting to open.