When passing parked vehicles, what should you be alert for?

When passing parked vehicles, being alert for both brake lights and turn signals is crucial for your safety and the safety of others. Brake lights indicate that a vehicle is slowing down or preparing to stop, which could mean that the driver is about to pull out into traffic or change directions. This knowledge is essential as it allows a driver to adjust their speed and position on the road accordingly.

Turn signals are equally important because they communicate a driver’s intention to make a turn or lane change. If a parked vehicle’s turn signal is activated, it indicates that the driver may be preparing to move, and caution is necessary to avoid potential collisions. By staying vigilant for these signals, you enhance your ability to anticipate and react to the movements of vehicles that might not be immediately visible.

The other options do not encompass the critical need for awareness of both the brake lights and turn signals simultaneously, which are interconnected in assessing the safety of passing parked vehicles. Understanding this context emphasizes the importance of attentive driving in urban and residential areas, where parked vehicles are common.