Washington State Department of Licensing Knowledge Test

What should a driver do if they encounter a pedestrian at a crosswalk?

1. Continue driving if the light is green

2. Slow down and yield

3. Honk to alert them

4. Speed up to pass before them

The correct answer is: Slow down and yield

When a driver encounters a pedestrian at a crosswalk, the best action to take is to slow down and yield. This is crucial for ensuring the safety of pedestrians who may have the right of way, especially when they are already in the crosswalk. Yielding demonstrates the driver's responsibility to protect individuals who are walking, aligning with traffic laws designed to prioritize pedestrian safety. If a driver continues driving when the light is green, it can lead to dangerous situations, especially if pedestrians are present. Honking to alert a pedestrian can create confusion and does not replace the need to yield; it may even startle the pedestrian. Speeding up to pass before a pedestrian is also unsafe, as it can result in accidents and is counter to the intended purpose of crosswalks. Therefore, slowing down and yielding is the correct and safest response in this scenario.