At an intersection, what should you do if you cannot account for all lanes of traffic?

The best course of action at an intersection when you cannot account for all lanes of traffic is to stop, check the lanes of traffic, and then proceed. This approach emphasizes the importance of situational awareness and ensures safety. By stopping, you take the time needed to fully assess all traffic conditions and potential hazards before moving forward. This careful observation allows you to identify any vehicles that may pose a threat, such as those that might not be visible or lane changes that could impact your path.

Additionally, this method aligns with defensive driving principles that prioritize safety over speed. It acknowledges that rushing through an intersection can lead to dangerous situations, particularly if other drivers are unaware of your movements or the conditions are unclear. In contrast, proceeding with caution, while seemingly safe, may still involve risk if you don’t have a clear understanding of the traffic situation. Accelerating to cross quickly poses significant danger to yourself and others on the road, and signaling other drivers to stop does not ensure compliance, which can further contribute to hazardous conditions.