When driving near a blind pedestrian who is carrying a white cane or using a guide dog, you should:
- Slow down and be prepared to stop. ✓
- Take the right-of-way.
- Proceed normally.
- Drive away quickly.
Answer: A. Slow down and be prepared to stop.
When you approach a blind pedestrian with a white cane or a guide dog, slow down and be prepared to stop.
Why this is the answer
The handbook tells drivers to watch for a pedestrian using an assistance animal or carrying a white cane, since the cane signals the person may be blind, partially blind, or disabled. It says you must take the precautions needed to avoid injuring or endangering that person crossing or trying to cross, and you must come to a full stop if that is the only way to avoid injury or danger. Slowing down and being ready to stop is how you meet that duty.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. Take the right-of-way. — The handbook puts the duty on you to protect the pedestrian, so claiming the right-of-way over someone with a white cane or guide dog is the opposite of what it requires.
- C. Proceed normally. — Driving as usual ignores the handbook's warning to be alert to a pedestrian guided by an assistance animal or carrying a white cane and to take precautions.
- D. Drive away quickly. — Speeding away leaves you no chance to stop if the person steps into your path, which the handbook says you must be ready to do.
Remember it
White cane or guide dog in view means your foot comes off the gas and hovers near the brake.
Official handbook: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), Chapter 11: Motor Vehicle Crashes , p. 61