Chapter 8: Sharing the Road

Understanding how to safely share the road with a variety of users is a cornerstone of defensive driving and a frequent topic on the knowledge test. Maryland’s laws are designed to protect the most vulnerable, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and roadside workers, by placing specific responsibilities on motor vehicle operators. Mastering these rules prevents tragic crashes, reduces traffic citations, and ensures a predictable, safe environment for everyone.

Pedestrians and Bicyclists

Drivers must always be prepared to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and bicyclists, who are far more vulnerable in a collision. Special care is required in common interaction zones like crosswalks and intersections.

Pedestrians

A driver’s duty is to protect pedestrians at all times. At intersections, every corner is considered a crosswalk, whether it is marked with painted lines or not.

• Stopping at Crosswalks: When a pedestrian is in a marked or unmarked crosswalk, drivers must come to a complete stop and remain stopped until the pedestrian has cleared the lane the vehicle is in, plus the next lane. It is illegal to pass any vehicle that is stopped for a pedestrian at a crosswalk.
• Turning: When turning on a green signal or making a permitted turn on red, drivers must yield to any pedestrians in the crosswalk.
• Blind or Mobility Impaired Pedestrians: Drivers must exercise extreme caution for pedestrians using a white cane or a guide dog. They have the absolute right-of-way, and a driver must stop and wait for them to cross the entire road, not just the driver’s lane.