A bystander is a person who is present at an event, such as an accident, but does not take part in it. Which of the following situations is the best example of a bystander?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → While waiting at a bus stop, Leela sees two cars bump into each other across the road. She was not in either car.
A bystander has two parts: the person is present at the event, and he or she does not take part in it.
In Option (2) Leela is at the bus stop and sees the accident happen, but she was in neither car. Both parts are present.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (1) Leela is driving one of the two cars that bump into each other at a crossing. — Incorrect. Leela takes part in the accident; she is one of the drivers.
Option (3) The next morning, Leela reads about the accident in the newspaper. — Incorrect. Leela was not present when the accident happened.
Option (4) Leela, a doctor, is called to the hospital later that night to treat the injured drivers. — Incorrect. Leela was not present at the accident; she treats the drivers afterwards.