There is no crosswalk and you see a pedestrian crossing your lane ahead. You should:
- Make eye contact and then pass him/her.
- Slow down as you pass him/her.
- Stop and let him/her finish crossing the street. ✓
Answer: C. Stop and let him/her finish crossing the street.
Stop and let the pedestrian finish crossing the street.
Why this is the answer
The California handbook says that when a pedestrian is crossing a roadway, with or without a crosswalk, you must use caution, reduce your speed, or stop so the person can safely finish crossing. A pedestrian already crossing your lane is directly in your path, so stopping lets them clear it. The handbook also says to yield when a pedestrian makes eye contact with you. Passing or just slowing while going by does not give the pedestrian time and space to finish crossing.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Make eye contact and then pass him/her. — Making eye contact does not make passing safe; the handbook says eye contact means the pedestrian is ready to cross, so you should yield rather than go around them.
- B. Slow down as you pass him/her. — Slowing down as you pass still takes you through the pedestrian's path; the handbook's instruction is to allow the person to safely finish crossing, which means stopping when they are ahead in your lane.
Remember it
Pedestrian in your lane? Wait for the lane to clear before you move.