What is the first step to take when approaching a street with heavy traffic?

The first step to take when approaching a street with heavy traffic is to stop and assess the situation. This approach allows drivers to gain a better understanding of the traffic conditions, including the volume of vehicles, their speed, and the availability of safe gaps for merging or crossing. By stopping, a driver can make informed decisions about whether it is safe to proceed, which is crucial for avoiding accidents and ensuring safety on the road.

Maintaining a constant speed without assessing the traffic may lead to dangerous situations, such as entering a busy street without adequate gaps or colliding with other vehicles. Signal and pulling into traffic without first gauging the conditions also carries risks, as it might not be safe to merge or enter the roadway at that moment. Assuming right of way in heavy traffic can be particularly hazardous, as it’s essential to recognize that heavy traffic often means multiple drivers are making similar assumptions, which can lead to confusion and potential accidents. Thus, stopping and assessing the situation is the most responsible and safe action to take in this context.