Taxi letting a passenger out
Look at the picture, read the situation, and mark each of the three statements true (○) or false (✕). All three right scores 2 points.
A taxi is stopped ahead on the left; its rear door is half open and a passenger is in the middle of getting out. You need to decide whether to pass on the right or wait. Answer true or false for each of the following.
- (1)The taxi is stopped, so you pass on its right at the same speed.
- (2)In case the door swings open, you slow down and leave extra space as you pass.
- (3)If you alert the taxi with the horn, you can pass safely.
Show the answers and explanation
- (1) ✕ FalseThe taxi is stopped, so you pass on its right at the same speed.
- (2) ○ TrueIn case the door swings open, you slow down and leave extra space as you pass.
- (3) ✕ FalseIf you alert the taxi with the horn, you can pass safely.
Explanation
When passengers get out of a taxi or other commercial vehicle, the door tends to swing wide open without warning, and this is a classic pattern for rear-end and side-swipe collisions (Rules of the Road (kyōsoku), Ch. 5, Sec. 3, 1(5)). Pass with plenty of space to the side and at reduced speed (Rules of the Road, Ch. 5, Sec. 6, 5). The horn is for emergencies only.
Source: Rules of the Road (kyōsoku), Ch. 5, Sec. 6, 5 (slowing to a stop-ready speed (jokō) when passing alongside) / Ch. 5, Sec. 3, 1(5) (doors opening on stopped vehicles)
