What is due regard?

What is due regard?

• A. Driver/operator drive with due regard for the safety of others using highways
• B. Driver/operator always yield to pedestrians only in crosswalks
• C. Driver/operator should ignore oncoming traffic when in a hurry
• D. Driver/operator must always stop at every intersection unless directed otherwise

Answer: (A)

Due regard means exercising prudent caution and consideration for the safety of others when operating an emergency vehicle. It involves driving as safely as possible, obeying traffic laws and controls when feasible, signaling, and adjusting speed and position to account for pedestrians, other drivers, road conditions, and weather. This concept is best captured by saying you drive with due regard for the safety of others using highways, because it directly emphasizes protecting the public on the road while proceeding with an emergency response. The other statements are too narrow or absolute. Yielding to pedestrians only in crosswalks ignores pedestrians who may be crossing outside crosswalks or stepping into the path of a vehicle. Ignoring oncoming traffic when in a hurry is unsafe and contrary to due regard. Stopping at every intersection unless directed otherwise isn't a universal rule for due regard, since you must follow traffic signals, signs, and directions, and you may proceed through an intersection when it is safe and lawful to do so.

Due regard means exercising prudent caution and consideration for the safety of others when operating an emergency vehicle. It involves driving as safely as possible, obeying traffic laws and controls when feasible, signaling, and adjusting speed and position to account for pedestrians, other drivers, road conditions, and weather. This concept is best captured by saying you drive with due regard for the safety of others using highways, because it directly emphasizes protecting the public on the road while proceeding with an emergency response.

The other statements are too narrow or absolute. Yielding to pedestrians only in crosswalks ignores pedestrians who may be crossing outside crosswalks or stepping into the path of a vehicle. Ignoring oncoming traffic when in a hurry is unsafe and contrary to due regard. Stopping at every intersection unless directed otherwise isn't a universal rule for due regard, since you must follow traffic signals, signs, and directions, and you may proceed through an intersection when it is safe and lawful to do so.