A 3-minute lesson from the North Carolina course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Pedestrians have no protection, and big vehicles can't see or stop like you can. Knowing their limits, like a truck's No-Zones, keeps you out of the places where crashes happen.
Know the rule
In cities about two of every five people killed in motor vehicle crashes are pedestrians; in rural areas, about one of every 10. Most are children, elderly people or people who have been drinking.
Before passing a tractor-trailer that seems to be starting a left turn, check which way the driver is signaling. Wind currents beside large vehicles can affect your steering.
Truckers sit about twice as high as car drivers but still can't see you in the No-Zones. If you can't see the truck driver in the mirror, the driver can't see you.
You're cruising right beside a tractor-trailer's cab on the interstate. You're in its No-Zone. Either drop back until you can see the driver in its mirror, or pass steadily and move on.
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.
Which direction should a pedestrian walk along a road without a sidewalk?
On the right side, with their back to traffic
On the left side, facing oncoming traffic
On whichever side is wider
On the right side during the day only
Answer: On the left side, facing oncoming traffic
Pedestrians should always walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.