You are on a three-lane highway in moderate traffic; the vehicle ahead suddenly stops and there is not enough room to stop without a collision. Which evasive tactic should you employ?

• A. Pass the stopped vehicle in the right lane without changing speed
• B. Swerve into the left shoulder to avoid the stop
• C. Brake to reduce speed as you pass on the left side of the stop vehicle
• D. Continue at current speed and rely on the horn

Answer: (C)

When you can’t stop in time, the priority is to create space and control your vehicle so you can avoid the collision. Brake to reduce your speed, which lowers the kinetic energy you carry and gives you more time to react to the stopped vehicle and any movement from other cars. Then, if the left lane is clear, pass the stopped vehicle on its left side rather than the right. This uses a through lane you’re already in and avoids the hazards of the shoulder or curb, while keeping you away from oncoming traffic. Relying on a horn won’t stop a sudden stop or prevent a crash, and simply continuing at the same speed or swerving into the shoulder introduces new risks. The key is to slow down, maneuver into the adjacent lane if safe, and pass with enough clearance to complete the maneuver safely.