North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What is the first thing to do in an emergency driving situation at an intersection?

1. Look right first

2. Look straight ahead

3. Look left first

4. Sound the horn

The correct answer is: Look left first

In an emergency driving situation at an intersection, prioritizing awareness and safety is essential. The correct choice is to look left first because this direction typically provides a better view of oncoming traffic that may pose a threat. In most driving situations, traffic in the left lane will approach the intersection first, especially from opposing directions. By looking left first, you can assess any vehicles that may be approaching and gauge their speed and distance, enabling you to make informed decisions about proceeding through the intersection or taking evasive action. Focusing your attention to the left allows for a quicker assessment of potential hazards, ensuring that you are well-informed before interacting with other vehicles or pedestrians. While looking right, straight ahead, or sounding the horn are potential actions to take in certain situations, they do not serve the primary purpose of ensuring your safety and the safety of others at the intersection in the same way that checking left does.