The driver ahead of you stops at a crosswalk. What should you do?
- Cautiously pass the vehicle at 10 mph or slower.
- Stop, proceeding only when all the pedestrians have crossed. ✓
- Change lanes, look carefully, and pass the stopped vehicle.
Answer: B. Stop, proceeding only when all the pedestrians have crossed.
You should stop and proceed only after all pedestrians have crossed.
Why this is the answer
The handbook says not to pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk because you may not be able to see a pedestrian crossing. It also says pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked or unmarked crosswalks, and drivers must stop or use caution to let them finish crossing safely. Since the driver ahead has stopped, you should stop too and wait until the pedestrians are clear.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Cautiously pass the vehicle at 10 mph or slower. — Passing the stopped vehicle slowly is still passing it at a crosswalk, which the handbook says not to do because a pedestrian may be hidden from view.
- C. Change lanes, look carefully, and pass the stopped vehicle. — Changing lanes to go around the stopped vehicle still means passing a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk, and you may not be able to see a pedestrian crossing.
Remember it
When the car ahead stops at a crosswalk, treat it as a sign that someone may be hidden in front of it and wait until the crossing is clear.