What should you do when driving past a line of parked cars?

When driving past a line of parked cars, checking for pedestrians, car doors opening, and moving vehicles is essential for safety. This area can present several hazards: pedestrians may suddenly step out from between vehicles, other drivers might back out of parking spaces, and car doors might swing open unexpectedly. By maintaining a heightened awareness of these potential dangers, you can react appropriately to prevent accidents.

While driving quickly might seem like a way to minimize exposure to these hazards, it actually increases the likelihood of missing important visual cues around parked cars. Using the horn frequently can be disruptive and may not effectively alert pedestrians or drivers to your presence. Additionally, while maintaining a safe distance from parked cars is generally advisable, simply stating a distance like 10 feet does not take into account the dynamic nature of the road and surrounding environment. Instead, focusing on vigilance and proactive scanning of the area is the most effective approach.