What should a driver do when approaching a pedestrian crossing?

When approaching a pedestrian crossing, it is essential for drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians. This is a fundamental rule in traffic regulations designed to ensure the safety of pedestrians who have the legal right to cross the street at designated crosswalks. Yielding means that drivers must slow down or stop as necessary to allow pedestrians to cross safely.

This practice is crucial not only for adhering to traffic laws but also for promoting overall road safety. Pedestrians are often more vulnerable in traffic situations, and yielding helps to prevent accidents and injuries. The law clearly requires that when drivers see pedestrians at a crosswalk, they must give them the opportunity to cross without obstruction.

Other options do not promote safety and adherence to traffic laws. Speeding up to pass before pedestrians cross increases the risk of collisions and is against traffic regulations. Honking to alert pedestrians does not substitute for yielding the right of way and may actually startle them, potentially leading to dangerous situations. Stopping only if pedestrians are present implies that one can disregard the crossing when no pedestrians are visible, which does not align with the law requiring drivers to always be prepared to stop for pedestrians. Therefore, yielding is the most responsible and legally compliant action when approaching a pedestrian crossing.