Practice question

You are driving on a two-lane road and an oncoming driver drifts into your lane. What is the best action to take?

  1. Steer to the right
  2. Brake hard to stop immediately
  3. Honk your horn
  4. Accelerate to get out of the way

Answer: A — Steer to the right

Steering to the right is the best action to take if an oncoming driver drifts into your lane. This maneuver allows you to potentially avoid a head-on collision by creating more space between your vehicle and the encroaching vehicle. By steering to the right, you also position yourself towards the shoulder of the road, which is often a safer area. In many driving scenarios, this action can help maintain control of your vehicle while providing an escape route. Other options might increase the risk of a crash. For instance, braking hard could lead to a loss of vehicle control, especially if the road is wet or slippery. Honking your horn might alert the other driver but does not actively prevent a collision. Accelerating could exacerbate the situation by reducing your reaction time and increasing the force of a potential impact. Therefore, steering to the right is a proactive and defensive driving technique that prioritizes safety in the event of an unexpected encroachment into your lane.

Practice more: Utah CDL General Knowledge Practice Test →