What should you do when you see a pedestrian crossing the street?

When you see a pedestrian crossing the street, the appropriate action is to slow down and yield to the pedestrian. This is essential for ensuring the safety of pedestrians, who have the right of way in most situations. Yielding means allowing them to cross without interruption, which helps to prevent accidents and ensures that pedestrians can navigate roadways safely.

In many jurisdictions, including Massachusetts, traffic laws explicitly state that drivers must give pedestrians the opportunity to cross when they are at marked crosswalks or in other designated crossing areas. This obligation reflects broader safety principles, emphasizing the protection of vulnerable road users.

Taking an alternative approach, such as continuing to drive or speeding up, not only disregards the law but also significantly increases the risk of a collision, potentially causing injury or even fatality to the pedestrian. It's also important to note that honking the horn is often not an appropriate response, as it can startle pedestrians and lead to unsafe situations. Therefore, the correct and safest action is to slow down and yield to pedestrians when you encounter them crossing the street.