Massachusetts Fines and Limits Permit Practice Test

When approaching an uncontrolled intersection, what is the first action you should take?

1. Speed up to cross quickly

2. Slow down and look for oncoming traffic

3. Make a U-turn

4. Stop completely before proceeding

The correct answer is: Slow down and look for oncoming traffic

When approaching an uncontrolled intersection, the first action you should take is to slow down and look for oncoming traffic. This approach allows you to assess the situation and make informed decisions based on the presence of other vehicles and pedestrians. Uncontrolled intersections do not have traffic signals or stop signs to guide drivers, which means it is the responsibility of each driver to yield to others and navigate safely. By slowing down, you create an opportunity to observe the flow of traffic, determine if there are any vehicles approaching from other directions, and judge their speeds. This awareness is crucial for preventing collisions and ensuring a safe passage through the intersection. Ultimately, the key is to ensure that you are able to react appropriately to any potential hazards as you navigate through the area. While some might think speeding up could help in clearing the intersection faster, it significantly increases the risk of an accident, especially if another vehicle is already on a conflicting path. Making a U-turn is not relevant when discussing entering an intersection and would only complicate the situation unnecessarily. Coming to a complete stop might be excessively cautious if no traffic is present, but slowing down is an essential step to ensure safety.