Final answer:
When merging into the middle lane of a three-lane roadway, drivers must check if the distance and time available allow for safe crossing by pedestrians or animals like rabbits, taking into account speed limits and approaching vehicle distance.
Step-by-step explanation:
When preparing to merge into the middle lane of a three-lane roadway, a driver should take into consideration several safety aspects to ensure not only their safety but also the safety of other road users, including pedestrians and smaller animals like rabbits. The response depends on different scenarios and factors such as vehicle speed, the distance of oncoming cars, and the time it will take someone or something to safely cross the lanes.
The time it takes for an object to cross the road is crucial for understanding if it is safe for that object to proceed. For instance, if a rabbit is crossing the road and a car is travelling in the furthermost lane from it, we need to know if there's enough time for the rabbit to cross before the car reaches its path. Similarly, calculating how long it will take for the rabbit to cross all three lanes helps us understand the required safety margin for crossing. In towns and cities, typically, the speed limit is 60 km/hr, and in order to cross the road safely, a pedestrian should be able to walk at least 4 m before the approaching car reaches them.