New York DMV Permit Written TestSafe Driving PracticesMedium
A driver is preparing to make a left turn at an intersection with a traffic light that has just turned green. A pedestrian has just stepped into the crosswalk from the opposite corner, intending to cross the street the driver is turning into. What is the driver's responsibility in this situation according to New York law?
- AThe driver should wait for the pedestrian to reach the middle of the street before initiating the turn.
- BThe driver should honk to alert the pedestrian and then proceed if the pedestrian acknowledges and stops.
- CThe driver has the right-of-way since the light is green and should proceed carefully around the pedestrian.
- DThe driver must yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian, allowing them to cross completely before turning.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The driver must yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian, allowing them to cross completely before turning.
New York State law mandates that drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks, even when the driver has a green light. Safety always takes precedence over traffic flow when pedestrians are involved.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Waiting for the pedestrian to reach the middle of the street is not sufficient; the driver must wait until the pedestrian has cleared the driver's path.
- B. Honking is not a substitute for yielding and could startle the pedestrian. The driver must yield.
- C. This is incorrect; pedestrians in crosswalks have the right-of-way.
Pedestrian Right-of-Way at Intersections
In New York State, drivers must always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians who are legally in a crosswalk, even if the driver has a green light.
- Pedestrians in crosswalks have priority.
- Yield means to slow down or stop to allow the pedestrian to cross.
- This applies regardless of whether the crosswalk is marked or unmarked.
Memory trick: Crosswalk means a walk-first zone, always yield to those on foot.