When there are no traffic control signals, what must drivers do for pedestrians?

Drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks when there are no traffic control signals. This means that if a pedestrian is using a marked crosswalk, drivers must slow down or stop to allow them to cross safely. This rule is in place to ensure the safety of pedestrians, who may be at risk of accidents without traffic signals guiding both their movement and that of vehicles.

While pedestrians always have a right to be considered when crossing, especially in marked areas, some other options might misconstrue the rules. For example, speeding up to pass through a crosswalk disregards the pedestrian's right to cross, putting them in danger. Ignoring pedestrians unless they are directly in the road undermines their safety as well, as they may be preparing to cross at the curb. Always stopping regardless of a pedestrian's position can cause confusion for both drivers and pedestrians, as it may not be necessary if no one is attempting to cross. Thus, knowing the correct protocol to slow down or stop at marked crosswalks is essential for maintaining roadway safety for all users.