Unsignalized pedestrian crossing and schoolchildren
Look at the picture, read the situation, and mark each of the three statements true (○) or false (✕). All three right scores 2 points.
You are driving through a residential area at 30 km/h. Ahead is a pedestrian crossing without signals, and just before it on the left an elementary school child with a school backpack looks about to break into a run. Answer true or false for each of the following.
- (1)Because the child is running and still far away, you pass through as you are.
- (2)Children can change direction suddenly, so you drop to a speed at which you can stop before the pedestrian crossing.
- (3)If you warn the child with the horn, you can pass safely.
Show the answers and explanation
- (1) ✕ FalseBecause the child is running and still far away, you pass through as you are.
- (2) ○ TrueChildren can change direction suddenly, so you drop to a speed at which you can stop before the pedestrian crossing.
- (3) ✕ FalseIf you warn the child with the horn, you can pass safely.
Explanation
Pedestrians have priority at a pedestrian crossing without signals (Road Traffic Act, Art. 38). Children move unpredictably, so as a rule you drop to a speed at which you can stop (Rules of the Road (kyōsoku), Ch. 5, Sec. 3, 2(2)). Needless use of the horn violates the Road Traffic Act, Art. 54.
Source: Road Traffic Act, Art. 38 (stopping at pedestrian crossings) / Rules of the Road (kyōsoku), Ch. 5, Sec. 3, 4(1) (protecting children)
