Video lessons · Unit 7: Sharing the road

Pedestrians

No stripes, no crosswalk? Grandpa explains it in one minute.

What you'll learn

• Every corner has a crosswalk even with no stripes.
• Stripes or no stripes: the pedestrian goes first. You wait.
• And if a car's stopped at a crosswalk DON'T pass it. Someone may be crossing.

Test yourself: 5 exam-style questions

1. 1. At night you're driving on a poorly lit street. What do you do about pedestrians?

   1. Use high beams even with oncoming cars
   2. Honk at every corner to warn them
   3. Nothing; at night they must watch for your lights
   4. Slow down: in dark clothes they're hard to see
   Show answer

   Answer: Slow down: in dark clothes they're hard to see

   Someone in black can appear right on top of you. Slow down and scan the edges.

2. 2. A pedestrian is about to cross at a corner with no painted lines. You…

   1. Go, since there are no lines
   2. Yield only if they're already mid-street
   3. Yield; corners have crosswalks too
   4. Honk so they wait
   Show answer

   Answer: Yield; corners have crosswalks too

   Most corners have a crosswalk even without paint. The pedestrian goes.

3. 3. You see a person with a white cane or guide dog near the street. You must…

   1. Honk to warn them
   2. Hurry past before they cross
   3. Always give them the right of way
   4. Shout out when it's safe for them to cross
   Show answer

   Answer: Always give them the right of way

   White cane or guide dog: they may not see you. Let them go, no honking.

4. 4. You're passing a bicyclist. How much room do you give?

   1. A few inches is enough
   2. Any amount, as long as you honk
   3. None: the cyclist must move onto the sidewalk
   4. At least about 3 feet, or more
   Show answer

   Answer: At least about 3 feet, or more

   Many states require 3 feet or more. If it doesn't fit, wait a bit.

5. 5. You've parked on the street. Before opening your door on the traffic side…

   1. Check only the inside rearview mirror
   2. Honk, then open it
   3. Open it fast and hop out
   4. Look for bikes and cars coming
   Show answer

   Answer: Look for bikes and cars coming

   Dooring a cyclist is ugly. Look before you open.