Chapter 8: Sharing the Road

Highways are shared spaces used by a diverse mix of vehicles and pedestrians, each with different capabilities and vulnerabilities. Learning to share the road safely is a mark of a skilled and responsible driver, preventing conflicts and protecting those most at risk. A significant portion of the driver’s exam focuses on these interactions, as understanding the rules for dealing with pedestrians, bicyclists, large trucks, and emergency vehicles is critical to everyday safety.

Pedestrians and Bicyclists

Drivers of motor vehicles have a special responsibility to protect vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists. Due to their lack of protection, even a minor collision can result in severe injury or death.

Pedestrians

Drivers must always be prepared to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. A crosswalk exists at any intersection, whether it is marked with painted lines or not. Drivers must stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk on their half of the roadway or when the pedestrian is approaching closely from the other half. Special care is required for blind pedestrians. When you see a person with a white cane or a guide dog, you must come to a complete stop and give them the right-of-way, as they are unable to see your vehicle.

Bicyclists and Motorcyclists

These road users have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. A motorcyclist or bicyclist is entitled to the full use of a traffic lane. Never try to share a lane by driving alongside them. Because of their smaller size, it can be difficult to judge their speed and distance, so always provide extra following distance. When passing a bicyclist, Nebraska law requires you to move into the adjacent lane to the left if possible. If not, you must provide at least three feet of clearance between your vehicle and the bicyclist until you have safely passed.

Common Mistake:
Many drivers assume they only need to stop for pedestrians at marked, painted crosswalks. In Nebraska, an unmarked crosswalk exists at every intersection, and drivers have the same legal duty to stop for pedestrians crossing there.