When must drivers yield to avoid striking pedestrians?

Drivers must yield to pedestrians when necessary, regardless of traffic signals, because the safety of pedestrians is paramount. This means that even if a traffic signal indicates that a vehicle has the right of way, a driver must be attentive to pedestrian movements and yield when required. Situations such as pedestrians in crosswalks, those waiting to cross, or any ambiguous circumstances where a pedestrian may be crossing must be taken into account.

While certain other situations do dictate when drivers should yield to pedestrians, such as at school crossings or when approaching roundabouts, these scenarios do not encompass all potential pedestrian situations. The priority remains on the need to yield in any case where it would help avoid hitting a pedestrian. Therefore, the broader and more encompassing rule is to yield whenever necessary, irrespective of traffic signals or signage.