What to Do When You See a Pedestrian Crossing

What You Should Do When You See a Pedestrian Crossing

So, picture this: you’re cruising down a peaceful street in Newfoundland and Labrador, maybe feeling the crisp sea breeze on your face, when suddenly, you notice someone eyeing that crosswalk with intent. What do you do? Well, here’s where it gets serious!

A. The Choices We Make

When you come across a pedestrian crossing at an intersection, you’ve got a few choices on your plate:

• Honk your horn and drive through.
• Speed up to pass them.
• Stop and yield the right of way.
• Or just wait until the pedestrian walks across.

Now, if you thought about honking your horn and driving through—you might want to rethink that strategy! Not only is it risky, but it disregards a crucial aspect of driving: safety.

B. The Right Move

The real answer here? You guessed it—stop and yield the right of way. It’s straightforward, and it’s a legal obligation when it comes to driving in many jurisdictions, especially in Newfoundland and Labrador.

When you spot someone waiting to cross, taking a second to stop not only shows respect for their right to pass but also aligns with traffic laws designed to keep everyone safe. After all, pedestrians might not be as visible or protected as drivers are, right? Remember that time you were tucked into your cozy car, blissfully unaware of the person trying to cross?

C. Why Yielding Matters

Now, yielding the right of way isn't just about being a courteous driver. It’s about preventing accidents! Imagine a scenario where you speed up instead of stopping—suddenly, things could take a turn for the worse. You’re not just putting yourself at risk, but you could endanger someone else’s life. Honestly, we can’t stress enough how critical it is to respect the rules of the road, which prioritize pedestrian safety at every turn.

D. The Risks of Unsafe Choices

Let’s talk about those impulsive choices for a second.

• Honk and drive through: Firstly, this can startle pedestrians. Picture that moment when someone’s about to cross, and then—bam! A horn blares. Talk about a heart racing!
• Speeding up to pass: This, my friend, is like playing with fire. The risk of a collision goes through the roof when you attempt to hurry past someone.

And waiting for a pedestrian to walk across? While it may sound harmless, it implies that drivers bear no immediate responsibility. The moment you see someone approaching that crosswalk, it’s your job to stop.

E. The Bottom Line

So, let’s recap: whenever you see a pedestrian crossing at an intersection, pause, take a breath, and yield the right of way. By doing so, you’re not just abiding by the law—you’re actively engaging in the road safety conversation that’s so important in our communities.

Now, doesn’t that feel good? Knowing that by taking a small action—like stopping when it counts—you’re contributing to a safer world for everyone? Next time you’re out driving, keep this principle in mind, and let’s make our streets not just and safer but also more respectful towards those on foot.