When faced with critical hazards, what should you do first?

When you encounter critical hazards while driving, the first step is to identify the hazard clearly. This process involves recognizing any potential dangers that could affect your driving, such as other vehicles, pedestrians, road conditions, or environmental factors. Identifying the hazard is crucial because it allows you to assess the situation effectively and decide on the appropriate actions to mitigate the risk.

By identifying the hazard first, you create a foundation for the next steps in hazard management, which includes predicting what might happen next, separating yourself from the hazard when possible, and determining if adjustments in speed are necessary. Without proper identification, it becomes challenging to accurately predict outcomes, make effective decisions, or take responsive actions, thus compromising safety.