A 3-minute lesson from the Oklahoma course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
As a defensive driver you must adapt to everyone else on the road. Pedestrians are the most exposed: some will cross when and where they want, whatever the signals say. As the person controlling a potentially dangerous machine, it's your job to play it safe and protect them.
Pedestrians
People walking, skateboarders, in-line or roller skaters, and people with disabilities who use wheelchairs, walkers, tricycles or similar supports.
The "unseen pedestrian": on a four-lane street, the driver nearest a crossing teen stops for her. Drivers in the next lane can't see her and don't know why that car stopped, so they keep going at full speed, straight into her path.
Know the rule
If you're the driver who stopped, warn drivers behind you with a "stop" hand signal, or tap your brakes several times to flash your brake lights.
You're pulling out of a parking garage and a woman on the sidewalk is about to walk across the exit. Stop before the sidewalk and let her pass. Pedestrians on the sidewalk get the right-of-way when you enter or leave a driveway or alley.
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.
A pedestrian is crossing slowly in front of your stopped car. What should you do?
Honk to hurry them along
Creep forward so they speed up
Drive slowly around them
Wait; don't honk or rush them
Answer: Wait; don't honk or rush them
Don't honk, gun your engine, or otherwise rush a pedestrian, even if you have the right-of-way.