Study for the Massachusetts Permit Test. Use flashcards and answer multiple choice questions with detailed explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

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What should a driver do when encountering a pedestrian in a crosswalk?

  1. slow down and prepare to yield

  2. honk the horn to alert them

  3. accelerate to clear the crosswalk quickly

  4. maintain speed without stopping

The correct answer is: slow down and prepare to yield

When a driver encounters a pedestrian in a crosswalk, the appropriate action is to slow down and prepare to yield. This is crucial for ensuring the safety of the pedestrian, as they have the right of way in designated crosswalk areas. By slowing down, the driver is allowing time to assess the situation, ensuring that the pedestrian can cross safely. Yielding not only complies with traffic laws but promotes a culture of road safety and respect for all users of the road, especially those on foot. Honk the horn to alert pedestrians can be distracting or alarming, and it does not guarantee safety. Accelerating to clear the crosswalk quickly can lead to dangerous situations, including potentially striking the pedestrian. Maintaining speed without stopping disregards the rights of pedestrians and can lead to accidents. Therefore, slowing down and preparing to yield is the safest and most responsible action to take in this scenario.