What should you always do when approaching an intersection?

When approaching an intersection, it is essential to reduce speed and be prepared to stop. This practice enhances safety by allowing the rider to assess the traffic situation more thoroughly. Intersections are high-risk areas where vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists converge, making it crucial to approach them cautiously. By reducing speed, you have more time to evaluate oncoming traffic, traffic signals, and potential obstacles. Being prepared to stop ensures that you can react appropriately if another vehicle runs a red light or if a pedestrian unexpectedly enters the crosswalk. This careful approach minimizes the risk of collisions and helps maintain overall road safety.

The other options compromise safety. Accelerating to cross quickly can lead to dangerous situations, especially if there are vehicles already in the intersection or approaching it. Only looking left before proceeding neglects the need to be aware of vehicles and pedestrians coming from the right or straight ahead, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. Ignoring road signs can result in a failure to yield or stop, leading to violations and potential crashes. It is crucial to approach intersections with caution and respect for all traffic laws to ensure a safe riding experience.