If you see a pedestrian at a crosswalk, what is your responsibility?

When approaching a crosswalk where a pedestrian is present, your primary responsibility is to yield and allow the pedestrian to cross safely. This responsibility is crucial for the safety of pedestrians, as it ensures that they can traverse the crosswalk without the fear of being struck by a vehicle. Yielding to pedestrians demonstrates respect for their right of way and aligns with traffic laws designed to protect those on foot.

In many locales, failing to yield can lead to legal penalties and compromise pedestrian safety. It's essential for drivers to be attentive and proactive in these situations, anticipating the pedestrian's movements and stopping as necessary. This practice not only enhances safety but also fosters a more cooperative interaction between drivers and pedestrians.

The other options, such as accelerating to pass, honking to alert, or only stopping if the pedestrian is already in the street, do not prioritize pedestrian safety and can lead to dangerous situations. It's important to be aware of and follow traffic regulations that prioritize pedestrian right of way at crosswalks.