If you see a pedestrian waiting to cross at an intersection, what must you do?

Yielding to pedestrians at intersections is a fundamental aspect of road safety and traffic laws. When you see a pedestrian waiting to cross, it indicates their intention to enter the crosswalk, and it is your legal and moral responsibility to give them the right of way. Allowing pedestrians to cross safely not only protects their well-being but also promotes a culture of respect and caution on the road.

In Georgia, and many other places, traffic laws explicitly require drivers to yield to pedestrians at intersections, whether they are in a marked crosswalk or not. This includes stopping your vehicle and allowing them sufficient time to cross safely, ensuring that both drivers and pedestrians can navigate the roadway without incident.

Other options do not prioritize pedestrian safety and can result in dangerous situations. For example, speeding up may surprise the pedestrian and put them at risk, while ignoring them entirely demonstrates negligence toward their rights. Honking at pedestrians may create confusion or anxiety rather than providing guidance. Therefore, yielding is the correct and safest action in this scenario.