What should you do if you encounter a pedestrian crossing the street?

When you encounter a pedestrian crossing the street, it is essential to yield the right of way and allow them to cross safely. This action is critical for promoting pedestrian safety and adhering to traffic laws designed to protect vulnerable road users. Pedestrians have the legal right of way at crosswalks and intersections, especially when they are already in the process of crossing or waiting to cross.

Yielding to pedestrians helps prevent accidents and injuries, reinforcing a safe and respectful interaction between drivers and walkers. It encourages a safer environment for everyone on the road.

Other options, such as speeding up to pass or honking your horn, do not address pedestrian safety appropriately and can lead to dangerous situations. Making a wide turn may still pose a hazard to the pedestrian, especially if the driver does not adequately account for their presence or movement. Therefore, yielding is the best and safest choice in this scenario.