Chapter 8: Sharing the Road

Public roadways are a shared space for a diverse mix of users, from pedestrians and bicyclists to large commercial trucks and emergency vehicles. Safe driving is not just about controlling one’s own vehicle, but also about understanding the unique characteristics, vulnerabilities, and operating rules of everyone else on the road. Mastering the principles of sharing the road is a critical part of the driver’s test and a core responsibility for preventing crashes with vulnerable road users.

Sharing the road effectively requires a heightened sense of awareness, courtesy, and a firm knowledge of the laws that govern interactions between different types of road users. Drivers of passenger vehicles must learn to anticipate the actions of others and adjust their own driving to create a safe environment for everyone.

Pedestrians and Bicyclists

Pedestrians and bicyclists are the most vulnerable users of the roadway. They lack the protection of a vehicle’s frame, airbags, and seat belts. Drivers must always be especially alert for their presence and give them the space they need.

Driver Responsibilities to Pedestrians

A driver’s duty to protect pedestrians is a legal and ethical priority.

• Crosswalks: Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at all marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections. An unmarked crosswalk is the part of a public street intersection that connects the sidewalks on opposite sides.
• Pedestrian Conveyances: As of July 1, 2024, the law requires drivers to yield not just to people on foot, but to anyone using a “pedestrian conveyance.” This includes bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and wheelchairs.
• Visually Impaired Pedestrians: A driver must always stop when approaching a pedestrian carrying a white cane (with or without a red tip) or being led by a guide dog. The driver must remain stopped until the person is safely across the street.
• General Caution: Drivers must be vigilant for pedestrians at all times, not just at intersections. Children, in particular, can be unpredictable and may dart into the street without warning.