What should you do if a pedestrian is in your path?

When a pedestrian is in your path, the appropriate and safest action is to stop and yield the right-of-way. This act not only prioritizes the safety of the pedestrian but also aligns with traffic laws that require drivers to allow pedestrians to cross at designated crosswalks and intersections. Yielding the right-of-way acknowledges the vulnerability of pedestrians, who have the right to safely navigate roadways.

While other actions might seem effective in dealing with the situation, they could lead to accidents or violate traffic laws. Turning quickly could result in losing control of the vehicle or potentially striking the pedestrian. Honking your horn might alert a pedestrian but does not constitute yielding or ensuring their safety. Speeding up may pose significant danger to both the pedestrian and the driver because it neglects the responsibility of a driver to avoid collisions and can escalate a dangerous situation. Therefore, stopping and yielding demonstrates responsible driving behavior and adherence to traffic regulations focused on pedestrian safety.