Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Permit Practice Test

What immediate action should drivers take if they anticipate a collision?

1. Slow down, speed up, or turn

2. Make a U-turn

3. Attempt to park

4. Increase their speed

The correct answer is: Slow down, speed up, or turn

The correct choice emphasizes that if drivers anticipate a collision, they should slow down, speed up, or turn to avoid it. Slowing down can help reduce the severity of a potential collision, making it less damaging. Alternatively, speeding up might help a driver clear unsafe traffic situations or intersection scenarios more quickly. Turning, in contrast, could allow the driver to move out of the path of an oncoming threat, steering clear of the potential impact zone. This choice encapsulates defensive driving principles, which involve preparing for and responding to unexpected situations on the road. By taking proactive measures, such as adjusting speed or direction, drivers can increase their chances of avoiding a collision altogether. Other choices like making a U-turn or attempting to park are not appropriate immediate actions in the context of anticipating a collision. Both could lead to confusion or further accidents, as they do not directly address the immediate threat of an impending collision. Increasing speed is generally counterintuitive in a situation where a collision may be imminent, as it would likely exacerbate the potential impact.