When a pedestrian guided by a dog or carrying a white cane is crossing the street:
Answers
You must always yield the right-of-way.
You must tell them where to cross the street.
You only have to yield the right-of-way if you are at a corner.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is: You must always yield the right-of-way.
Explanation:
When a pedestrian is crossing the street and is either guided by a dog (typically a guide dog for the visually impaired) or carrying a white cane (a common tool for those with visual impairments), they are given special rights and protections under traffic laws in many places. These devices—guide dogs and white canes—serve as indicators of the pedestrian’s visual impairment, signaling that the individual may not be able to see approaching vehicles or traffic signals.
In these situations, drivers are legally required to yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian at all times, whether at a crosswalk or not, as long as the pedestrian is attempting to cross the street. This requirement helps ensure that pedestrians with visual impairments can safely navigate intersections and streets, reducing the risk of accidents or injury.
The rationale behind this rule is that people who rely on guide dogs or white canes may not have the ability to quickly assess traffic conditions, and therefore, drivers must take extra precautions to prevent accidents. Yielding the right-of-way is a critical part of making streets safer and more accessible for people with disabilities.
Drivers should slow down and be prepared to stop if they see someone with a guide dog or white cane attempting to cross the street. It is not enough to simply yield at corners or designated crosswalks—this protection applies whenever such a pedestrian is crossing any part of the roadway.
This law is part of broader efforts to make transportation systems inclusive for everyone, including people with disabilities. Failing to yield in these situations can result in legal penalties and, more importantly, puts the safety of vulnerable pedestrians at significant risk.