What is the most fundamental rule for drivers regarding pedestrians at crosswalks?
Drivers must yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. The safety of the pedestrian is the top priority.
When must you come to a complete stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk?
You must stop if the pedestrian is on your half of the roadway or is approaching so closely from the opposite side as to be in danger. As a best practice, always stop when a pedestrian is in the crosswalk.
Where should a driver stop their vehicle when yielding to a pedestrian at a crosswalk?
You must stop before the first painted line of the crosswalk. Do not stop in a position that blocks the crosswalk, forcing the pedestrian to walk around your vehicle.
If you have a green traffic light but a pedestrian is still in the crosswalk in front of you, who has the right-of-way?
The pedestrian still has the right-of-way. A green light does not give you permission to proceed until the crosswalk is clear and it is safe to do so.
What is the rule for yielding to pedestrians when you are making a turn at an intersection?
You must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians who are in the crosswalk you are turning into, whether you are turning right or left.
A pedestrian crosses the street mid-block, not at a crosswalk (jaywalking). What is your legal responsibility as a driver?
While the pedestrian does not have the legal right-of-way, the driver still has a duty of "due care" to avoid a collision. You must slow down or stop if necessary to prevent an accident.
What should a driver do when approaching any crosswalk, marked or unmarked?
A driver should reduce their speed, scan both sides of the road for any pedestrians waiting to cross, and be fully prepared to stop if necessary.
On a multi-lane road, a vehicle in the lane next to you has stopped at a crosswalk. What must you do?
You must also stop, even if you cannot see a pedestrian. It is illegal and dangerous to pass a vehicle that has stopped for a pedestrian at a crosswalk.
When can you proceed after stopping for a pedestrian in a crosswalk?
The safest and most widely applicable rule is to wait until the pedestrian has completely crossed the street and is on the sidewalk. However, some jurisdictions' laws allow you to proceed once the pedestrian has cleared your half of the roadway.
Are drivers required to yield to pedestrians at alleyways and private driveways?
Yes. When you are entering or exiting an alley or driveway, you must stop and yield the right-of-way to any pedestrians on the sidewalk you are crossing.
What special considerations apply to pedestrians in school zones?
Exercise extreme caution. Children can be unpredictable and may dart into the street unexpectedly. Always obey the lower posted speed limits and be prepared to make sudden stops.
What are some of the potential legal consequences for failing to yield to a pedestrian, resulting in injury?
Consequences can be severe, including substantial fines, points on your driving record, license suspension, and potential criminal charges, especially if gross negligence is involved.
What defines a "marked crosswalk"?
A marked crosswalk is any area designated for pedestrians to cross a road that is indicated by lines or other markings painted on the pavement.
Where do "unmarked crosswalks" exist?
An unmarked crosswalk exists at any intersection where two streets meet at approximately right angles, even if there are no painted lines. It is the natural extension of the sidewalk across the street.
Why is it illegal and extremely dangerous to pass a vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk?
Because the stopped vehicle is likely yielding to a pedestrian you cannot see. Passing could result in striking the pedestrian. This is often called a "multiple threat" or "double stop" situation.
What is the absolute requirement when you see a pedestrian using a white cane or a guide dog?
You must come to a complete stop and give them the right-of-way, no matter where they are crossing. Do not honk or rev your engine, as this can be disorienting for them.
