When should drivers yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in a crosswalk?
- Only if the pedestrians first wave to the driver.
- Only if the pedestrians are not texting while walking.
- At all times. ✓
Answer: C. At all times.
Drivers should yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in a crosswalk at all times.
Why this is the answer
The handbook says pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked or unmarked crosswalks. It also tells drivers to use caution, reduce speed, or stop so a pedestrian can safely finish crossing. A pedestrian who makes eye contact with you is ready to cross, and you should yield. The rule does not depend on a wave or on whether the person is texting. So when someone is crossing in a crosswalk, you give way.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Only if the pedestrians first wave to the driver. — A pedestrian does not have to wave you on; the handbook says pedestrians have the right-of-way in crosswalks, so you yield to them rather than waiting for a signal.
- B. Only if the pedestrians are not texting while walking. — Whether a pedestrian is texting is not a condition in the handbook; people in a crosswalk still have the right-of-way and you must be prepared to stop.
Remember it
Think “crosswalk means yield” — marked or unmarked, the pedestrian goes first.