What should you do if you must stop on a curve due to an obstacle?

• A. Stop immediately in the travel lane.
• B. Slow, pick the safest escape path if possible, or exit the curve slowly and stop off the travel lane if necessary.
• C. Speed up to pass the obstacle.
• D. Stop and turn around in the curve.

Answer: (B)

When you’re on a curve, your path is already limited, so the safest move if you must stop is to slow down and look for the safest escape route or to exit the curve and stop off the travel lane if there’s space. This reduces the chance of being hit from behind or blocking other drivers who can’t see you until it’s too late. If a shoulder or escape area is available, steer smoothly toward it and stop there so you’re out of the main lane and visible to approaching traffic. Use hazard lights to warn others and only return to the travel lane when it’s safe.

Stopping immediately in the travel lane creates a hazard for approaching vehicles in a curve where visibility and space are limited. Trying to speed up to pass the obstacle is risky and could lead to a loss of control or a collision. Stopping and turning around in the curve is also dangerous because it requires maneuvering in tight, blind space with oncoming traffic. The recommended approach minimizes risk by relocating the stop point out of the travel lane as soon as it’s safely possible.