What should be your first action when approaching an intersection?

When approaching an intersection, the first action should be to slow down and check for any oncoming traffic. This is crucial for safety as intersections are often points of high risk for accidents. By reducing speed, you give yourself more time to assess the situation, allowing you to look for vehicles that may be running red lights, pedestrians crossing, or other potential hazards. This careful approach enables you to make informed decisions about whether to proceed, stop, or alter your route.

Additionally, while signaling to other drivers or turning on your headlights may also be important, they should come after ensuring that the intersection is clear and safe for crossing. Accelerating to cross quickly can increase the chance of an accident, as it reduces the time to react to unexpected situations. Therefore, the emphasis on slowing down and observing traffic patterns is essential for maintaining safety and preventing collisions at intersections.