Stroller and a small child
Look at the picture, read the situation, and mark each of the three statements true (○) or false (✕). All three right scores 2 points.
A mother pushing a stroller is walking toward you along the left edge of the road, with a small child (3 to 4 years old) beside her. It is a narrow residential street with no sidewalk, and you are driving in the left lane. Answer true or false for each of the following.
- (1)The stroller is out of your path, so you pass at the same speed.
- (2)Children can suddenly start running, so you slow to a stop-ready speed (jokō) and leave plenty of space to the side.
- (3)If you alert the mother with the horn, the child will not run out.
Show the answers and explanation
- (1) ✕ FalseThe stroller is out of your path, so you pass at the same speed.
- (2) ○ TrueChildren can suddenly start running, so you slow to a stop-ready speed (jokō) and leave plenty of space to the side.
- (3) ✕ FalseIf you alert the mother with the horn, the child will not run out.
Explanation
Children and infants move unpredictably. When you pass beside pedestrians, you are required to keep a safe space or slow to a stop-ready speed (jokō) (Road Traffic Act, Art. 18, para. 2). The rule is to slow to a stop-ready speed (jokō) and leave plenty of space to the side (Rules of the Road (kyōsoku), Ch. 5, Sec. 3, 1(1)). The horn may even startle the child into running out.
Source: Road Traffic Act, Art. 18, para. 2 (passing beside pedestrians) / Rules of the Road (kyōsoku), Ch. 5, Sec. 3, 1(1)
