Final answer:
When an additional lane begins and merging is not required, continue straight without merging and remain vigilant. Adjust your speed or lane position as necessary for traffic conditions and safety of all road users, including pedestrians and animals.
Step-by-step explanation:
When approaching a point where two roads come together and an additional lane begins, but you are not required to merge, it is important to proceed with caution.
The best course of action would be to continue straight without merging into the new lane, unless you need to change lanes for your intended route. Abruptly changing lanes or stopping in traffic could pose a hazard.
Instead, keep a watchful eye on the traffic entering from the new lane and adjust your speed or lane position accordingly to maintain safety.
In situations involving traffic and pedestrian interactions, such as a woman pushing a stroller, cars stopped at an intersection, or an animal on the street, it is crucial to maintain vigilant observation and cautious maneuvering to ensure safety for all.
For example, when seeing a woman with a stroller, slowing down and giving her ample space is considerate.
If two cars are stopped and one is honking, assess the situation to understand why the horn is being used before taking any action. If a dog runs out into the street, again, slow down and give the animal space while being mindful of surrounding traffic.
In emergencies, such as when a vehicle has a pregnant woman about to deliver, or when pedestrians need to safely cross an intersection, it might be necessary to make more significant adjustments to driving behavior while still aiming to comply with traffic laws as closely as possible.