A pedestrian starts to cross in front of your vehicle. You should:
- Flash your lights.
- Slow down.
- Speed up and pass in front of the pedestrian.
- Stop and let the pedestrian cross. ✓
Answer: D. Stop and let the pedestrian cross.
Stop and let the pedestrian cross.
Why this is the answer
The Florida handbook says you must stop and remain stopped for pedestrians crossing a street or driveway at a marked crossing or intersection. It also says motorists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in a crosswalk. Slowing down alone does not meet that rule when a pedestrian is already crossing in front of you, so the safe and required action is to stop and wait for them to clear your path.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Flash your lights. — Flashing your lights is not described as the proper response and does not satisfy the requirement to stop for a crossing pedestrian.
- B. Slow down. — Slowing down is not enough because the handbook says you must stop and remain stopped for pedestrians crossing at a marked crossing or intersection.
- C. Speed up and pass in front of the pedestrian. — Speeding up to pass in front of the pedestrian conflicts with the rule to stop and yield to someone crossing.
Remember it
When someone is on foot in your path, the pedal to use is the brake.