What should you do if you encounter a pedestrian in a crosswalk?

When encountering a pedestrian in a crosswalk, yielding the right of way is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, pedestrians have the legal right to cross at designated crosswalks, as this is designed to protect their safety. By yielding, you are not only following the law but also demonstrating respect for pedestrian traffic.

Allowing the pedestrian to cross reduces the risk of potential accidents, as pedestrians may be vulnerable and may not have the same protective barriers that vehicles do. It's important to remember that many pedestrians, including children, the elderly, or those with disabilities, may take longer to cross the street, and yielding gives them the time they need.

Choosing to honk your horn, speed up, or continue driving normally disregards the safety of the pedestrian and can lead to dangerous situations. Such actions can potentially result in collisions or injuries, which could have been avoided simply by following the safe and legal practice of yielding to pedestrians.