Ch. 5 · Driving Method

When passing near pedestrians, you must leave a safe distance between you and the pedestrians, or slow down to a stop-ready speed (jokō).

[True / False · Easy]

Answer: ✓ True

Explanation

The Rules of the Road, Chapter 5, Section 3, 1(1) clearly states: "When passing near pedestrians, you must leave a safe distance between you and the pedestrians, or slow down to a stop-ready speed." This is a fundamental obligation to ensure pedestrian safety.

Driving school curriculumStage 1 – Topic 8: Protection of pedestrians

Hikari

When passing pedestrians, I just need to keep a safe distance, right? Slowing down is optional?

Misaki

Not quite — this statement is true. You must leave a safe distance OR slow down to a stop-ready speed. It's not optional; one of the two is required.

Hikari

Oh, so I can't just cruise by at normal speed even if there's space?

Misaki

Correct. Pedestrian safety demands you either give them room or be ready to stop instantly.

Source: Ch. 5 Driving Method · Section (第３節歩行者の保護など) · 1 歩行者のそばを通るとき (1)

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Source content excerpted from the NPA “Rules of the Road” instructional manual, in the public domain under Japanese Copyright Act Article 13(2). Explanations are AI-assisted and copyrighted by the MenkyoQuest editorial team.