Delaware Driver Education State Practice Test

What should you do to ensure safety when leaving a stop at a red light?

1. Accelerate quickly

2. Check for pedestrians and traffic

3. Use your horn

4. Wait for a green light only

The correct answer is: Check for pedestrians and traffic

To ensure safety when leaving a stop at a red light, it is crucial to check for pedestrians and traffic. This step involves looking out for any people crossing the street, as well as ensuring that other vehicles are adhering to signals and not speeding through the intersection. Awareness of your surroundings is paramount for preventing accidents. While it may seem straightforward, swiftly moving without verifying that the way is clear can lead to dangerous situations. Every intersection presents unique traffic dynamics, and pedestrian movements can often be unpredictable. By actively scanning for others, a driver can make informed decisions and proceed safely once it is appropriate to do so. In contrast, rapidly accelerating, using your horn, or waiting solely for a green light may not adequately address the presence of pedestrians or other vehicles, ultimately compromising the safety of all road users.