In the REPS mnemonic, what does the letter R stand for?

• A. Recognize hazards
• B. Safe driving
• C. Reduce speed
• D. Report incidents

Answer: (A)

The R stands for Recognize hazards. In the REPS framework, recognizing hazards is the first step: you actively scan your surroundings to identify anything that could cause harm or require action—things like a pedestrian stepping into the roadway, another vehicle signaling, slick pavement, or an obstacle in your path. By recognizing hazards, you become aware of potential risks and can move on to evaluating how serious they are and what action to take. That’s why Recognize hazards is the best fit for the R.

Safe driving, reducing speed, and reporting incidents are all important parts of safe operation, but they describe actions you might take in response to hazards rather than what the R label stands for in the mnemonic.