You are driving in the left-hand lane of a two-lane one-way street. About 30 m in front of you, a truck comes to a stop in the right-hand lane before a pedestrian crossing. What should you do?

The scenario you encountered is common in German traffic situations. When approaching a stationary vehicle, such as a truck stopped at a pedestrian crossing, it is essential to approach at a moderate speed. This allows you to assess the situation ahead and react appropriately, especially since pedestrians may be crossing.

In Germany, the road traffic regulations emphasize the protection of pedestrians, particularly at crossings. When you see a vehicle stopped, it often indicates that someone may be about to enter the crosswalk. Thus, if you drive past the truck without giving it adequate space and caution, you risk endangering pedestrians.

Additionally, giving a warning signal, such as using your horn, can be important if it's safe and necessary to alert others about your presence. However, if you simply continue driving swiftly, you may not have enough time to react to any unexpected actions by pedestrians or other vehicles.

Therefore, the key points to remember are to reduce speed when approaching stopped vehicles at pedestrian crossings, stay alert for pedestrians, and use your horn judiciously to increase safety without creating unnecessary noise. Understanding these rules helps ensure not only your safety but also the safety of others on the road.