Practice question

To avoid a head-on collision with an oncoming vehicle in your lane, what should you do?

  1. Steer left toward the median
  2. Steer right toward the shoulder or curbline
  3. Honk your horn
  4. Stop immediately in your lane

Answer: B — Steer right toward the shoulder or curbline

Steering right toward the shoulder or curbline is the best course of action to avoid a head-on collision with an oncoming vehicle in your lane. This maneuver creates a safer space between you and the oncoming vehicle, minimizing the risk of a serious collision. By positioning your vehicle on the shoulder, you not only evade the direct impact but also create room for the oncoming driver to possibly correct their path, should they be aware of the situation. Choosing this option allows you to maintain better control of your vehicle while maximizing your chances of avoiding disaster. It is often safer than attempting to steer left toward the median, which could lead to encroaching in another lane of traffic or hitting an obstacle; and honking your horn may alert the other driver, but it does not provide a fail-safe way to avoid a crash. Stopping immediately in your lane can create a highly dangerous situation where a rear-end collision becomes a possibility. Thus, steering right toward the shoulder or curbline is indeed the most effective response in this scenario.

Practice more: Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) Practice Test →