North Carolina DMV Practice Test

What should you do if you encounter a pedestrian attempting to cross at an intersection with no traffic lights?

1. Proceed with caution and honk

2. Yield to the pedestrian

3. Speed up to clear the intersection

4. Ignore the pedestrian if they are not in your lane

The correct answer is: Yield to the pedestrian

Yielding to the pedestrian is the correct action when you encounter one attempting to cross at an intersection without traffic lights. This is in alignment with traffic laws that prioritize the safety of pedestrians. It ensures that you are allowing them the right of way, which is especially important in areas where they may be crossing without designated signals. Pedestrians can be vulnerable road users, and as a driver, taking the time to stop and give them space to cross fosters a safer environment for everyone. In situations like these, other responses can compromise safety. Proceeding with caution while honking, for instance, might startle the pedestrian rather than help them. Speeding up could lead to a dangerous situation and potential collisions, endangering the life of the pedestrian and possibly other road users. Ignoring the pedestrian simply because they are not in your lane disregards their right to cross safely, potentially leading to serious accidents. Therefore, yielding is not just a legal requirement but also a necessary practice for promoting road safety.