When must a driver yield to pedestrians?

A driver must yield to pedestrians primarily at crosswalks and intersections because these are designated areas where pedestrians have the right of way to cross the road safely. This rule is in place to ensure their safety and facilitate the safe movement of individuals on foot.

In crosswalks, marked or unmarked, pedestrians are given priority, and drivers are legally required to slow down or stop to allow them to cross. Similarly, at intersections, unless otherwise indicated by traffic signals or signs, pedestrians should be allowed to cross the street safely without interference from vehicular traffic. This priority is critical for preventing accidents and ensuring that pedestrians can navigate shared roadways without undue risk.

While it may seem that yielding at traffic signals, on highways, or in parking lots is also essential, the obligation to yield specifically for pedestrians is most clear and explicitly defined in the context of crosswalks and intersections, where pedestrian traffic is most concentrated and regulated.