Ch. 5 · Driving Method

Because it was nighttime with little traffic, as I approached a crosswalk I assumed there were probably no pedestrians crossing, so I passed through without slowing down.

[True / False · Medium]

Answer: ✕ False

Explanation

The Rules of the Road state that when approaching a crosswalk you must slow down so that you can stop before it, unless it is clear that there are no pedestrians or bicycles crossing. Merely assuming 'there probably aren't any' is not the same as it being clear, and at night pedestrians may be detected late, so you must slow down.

Driving school curriculumStage 1 – Topic 8: Protection of pedestrians

Hikari
Hikari
It's nighttime and quiet, so I figured no one's crossing — can't I just go through?
Misaki
Misaki
That's false. You must slow down unless it's clearly safe. 'Probably' isn't the same as 'clear,' and at night pedestrians are harder to spot.
Hikari
Hikari
Oh, so I can't just assume — I actually have to be sure?
Misaki
Misaki
Correct. Always slow down at crosswalks unless you can confirm no one's there.

Source: Ch. 5 Driving Method · Section (第3節 歩行者の保護など) · Rules of the Road, Ch.5 §3 (Protecting pedestrians) — Drivers must slow to a stop-ready speed (jokō) or stop entirely when passing close to pedestrians, children walking alone, the visually-impaired with a white cane or guide dog, or elderly persons. Streetcar stops require special caution.

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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.