California DMV Permit Test (Class C)Rules of the Road and Right-of-WayMedium
You are driving on a road with no sidewalks, and you see pedestrians walking on the shoulder facing away from traffic. What is the safest action?
- APass them closely to avoid oncoming traffic.
- BSlow down, move to the left side of your lane, and pass them safely.
- CHonk to alert them and continue driving at your current speed.
- DStop your vehicle and wait for them to move off the road.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Slow down, move to the left side of your lane, and pass them safely.
Pedestrians walking on a road without sidewalks should walk facing oncoming traffic. Since these pedestrians are facing away, they may not see you. Slowing down and giving them ample space by moving to the left provides the safest passing distance.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Passing closely is dangerous and against safe driving practices.
- C. Honking might startle them; simply slowing and giving space is better.
- D. Stopping completely is generally not necessary unless there's no safe way to pass.
Pedestrian Safety on Roads
Drivers must always yield to pedestrians. When no sidewalks are present, pedestrians should walk facing oncoming traffic, and drivers should give them extra space.
- Pedestrians always have the right-of-way in crosswalks.
- On roads without sidewalks, pedestrians should walk against traffic.
- Drivers must provide ample space when passing pedestrians.
Memory trick: Give pedestrians space, they are vulnerable.