Pedestrians

Explanation

Crosswalks and pedestrian signals tell you pedestrians are nearby.

• Always yield the right of way to pedestrians.
• Don’t make a turn that forces a pedestrian to stop, slow down or make a special effort to avoid you.
• Take special care near children — they aren’t fully aware of traffic dangers, and they (and other pedestrians) may cross at unexpected places.
• Be patient with people who have trouble crossing, such as elderly people or someone with a visual disability. Everyone is a pedestrian.
• A white cane or a trained guide dog usually means a person is visually impaired. Drivers must always yield to them.

Example

You’re waiting to turn left on a green light. As oncoming traffic clears, a man with a white cane starts across the street you are turning into. You wait until he has fully crossed.

Common mistake

Creeping into a crosswalk to “encourage” a pedestrian to hurry. Don’t make a pedestrian change pace for you.

What the manual says

Always yield the right of way to pedestrians

If children are in the vicinity, take special care because children are not fully aware of the dangers of traffic. Children and other pedestrians may cross at unexpected places.

Drivers must always yield the right of way to persons who are visually impaired.