What is the key to approaching a blind intersection?

• A. To see as much as possible and remain visible to others while protecting your space.
• B. To speed through quickly to minimize exposure.
• C. To rely on cross traffic to stop.
• D. To follow the cross-traffic vehicles closely.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is visibility and space management. At a blind intersection you can’t rely on other drivers to see you or to stop in time, so you want to be as visible as possible and keep enough room to react. Scan the approach from several angles and use a lane position that makes you easy to spot in drivers’ mirrors and line of sight. Slow down to a controlled speed so you can stop or adjust quickly if a vehicle appears around the corner. Be prepared to stop and cover the brakes, maintaining a cushion of space around you to maneuver if needed. Rushing through, hoping others will stop, or following cross-traffic closely reduces your reaction time and visibility, which is unsafe.