What should a driver do if they encounter a road hazard?

When a driver encounters a road hazard, the appropriate and safest course of action is to slow down and navigate around the hazard carefully. This approach prioritizes the safety of the driver and other road users. By reducing speed, drivers have more time to assess the situation and make informed decisions, which can help prevent accidents or collisions that might arise from sudden movements or loss of control.

Additionally, navigating around the hazard with caution ensures that the driver remains aware of their surroundings, including the behavior of other vehicles and pedestrians that might also be affected by the hazard. It promotes responsible driving and enhances overall road safety, which is essential, particularly in commercial driving where the risks and consequences of accidents can be significantly higher due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles.

The other choices suggest actions that could lead to dangerous situations. Speeding up may increase the risk of losing control or missing the hazard entirely, ignoring it can lead to collisions, and calling for assistance might not be practical or necessary while driving. Therefore, slowing down and safely navigating around a hazard is the most effective way to manage the situation.