What should you do if you encounter a pedestrian at a crosswalk?

When you encounter a pedestrian at a crosswalk, stopping and giving the pedestrian the right-of-way is essential for ensuring their safety. Pedestrians often have the right-of-way in marked crosswalks, which means drivers are legally and ethically obligated to yield to them. This not only helps prevent accidents but also promotes a safer environment for all road users.

Allowing pedestrians to cross safely demonstrates your awareness and respect for traffic laws as well as the rights of others on the road. It fosters a culture of safety and cooperation between drivers and pedestrians, which is especially important in urban areas where foot traffic can be high.

In contrast, actions such as honking to alert a pedestrian may cause confusion or frighten them, while speeding up or maintaining speed can lead to dangerous situations, increasing the risk of collision. Therefore, yielding at a crosswalk aligns with responsible driving practices and the traffic regulations in place.