Chapter 8: Sharing the Road

Public roadways are a shared space used by a diverse mix of vehicles and individuals, from pedestrians and bicyclists to large commercial trucks and emergency responders. Understanding how to safely interact with these different road users is a critical aspect of defensive driving. These rules are a major focus of the driver’s license exam because a failure to share the road properly, especially with vulnerable users or large vehicles, can have catastrophic consequences.

Pedestrians and Bicyclists

Drivers of motor vehicles have a special responsibility to be alert for pedestrians and bicyclists, who are far more vulnerable to serious injury in a collision.

Pedestrians

Drivers must always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.

• Crosswalks: At both marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections, drivers must yield to pedestrians. A driver must stop and remain stopped until the pedestrian has cleared the lane in which the vehicle is traveling.
• Visually Impaired Pedestrians: A driver must always yield the right-of-way to a person who is blind. A blind pedestrian can be identified by their use of a white cane or a guide dog. A driver must stop and take whatever precautions are necessary to avoid injury to the person.
• General Caution: Children, in particular, can be unpredictable and may dart into the street without warning. A driver should exercise extreme caution near schools, playgrounds, and in residential neighborhoods.

Bicyclists and Motorcyclists