A 3-minute lesson from the Illinois course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Pedestrians have no protection in a crash, so the law puts much of the burden on drivers. Some situations require a full stop. Many more require you to yield. People with disabilities always get the right of way.
Pedestrian
Any person on foot, wearing in-line speed skates, or riding a skateboard, including a person with a physical, hearing or visual disability.
A pedestrian using a guide dog, white cane, wheelchair or other assistive device on a sidewalk or roadway has the right of way, with the same rights as any pedestrian.
Pedestrians in crosswalks have the right of way over vehicles. Some crosswalks are in the middle of the block and marked with a pedestrian crossing sign at the white lines.
Pedestrians crossing anywhere other than a marked or unmarked crosswalk must yield to drivers. This includes between closely spaced intersections with working traffic signals.
Your light turns green and you begin a right turn. A pedestrian is crossing the street you're turning onto with a WALK signal. Wait for them to cross. You must yield when turning at any intersection.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
When must a driver come to a complete stop for a pedestrian?
When one is in a marked crosswalk
Only at signalized intersections
Only when a crossing guard is present
Only if the pedestrian is a child
Answer: When one is in a marked crosswalk
A marked crosswalk with a pedestrian in it always requires a complete stop.