New York DMV Permit Written TestRules of the Road and Traffic LawsMedium
You are approaching an intersection with a crosswalk, and a pedestrian is waiting to cross. There are no traffic lights or stop signs. What is your responsibility?
- AHonk your horn to warn the pedestrian to wait.
- BSlow down and wave the pedestrian across.
- CStop and yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian.
- DProceed cautiously, the pedestrian must yield to traffic.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Stop and yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian.
In New York State, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks, even if there are no traffic signals or stop signs. Pedestrians always have the right-of-way in unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Honking can be seen as aggressive and does not fulfill the duty to yield.
- B. Waving a pedestrian across can be dangerous if you haven't checked for other vehicles; stopping and yielding is safer.
- D. Pedestrians in crosswalks have the right-of-way; drivers must yield.
Pedestrian Right-of-Way (Crosswalks)
Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks, marked or unmarked, at intersections.
- Pedestrians always have ROW in crosswalks.
- Applies even without signals/signs.
- Drivers must stop for waiting pedestrians.
Memory trick: Crosswalk means stop, pedestrian's on top.