How can you assist in ensuring pedestrian safety while driving?

Yielding when necessary is essential for pedestrian safety while driving. This means being attentive to pedestrians at crosswalks and other areas where they may be present. When you yield, you allow pedestrians to safely cross the road, thus minimizing the risk of accidents.

Being aware of your surroundings includes watching for pedestrians at all times, not just at designated crosswalks. It requires understanding that pedestrians might unexpectedly enter the roadway or may not always be visible, especially in areas with limited sightlines or higher traffic volumes. By yielding when appropriate, you prioritize the safety of those on foot and promote a safer environment for everyone sharing the road.

Other choices suggest behaviors that could compromise pedestrian safety, such as speeding through crosswalks or assuming pedestrians will always wait. Only looking for signals neglects the fact that not all pedestrian crossings are controlled, and waiting for a signal does not eliminate the responsibility of drivers to be vigilant. Therefore, yielding when necessary encapsulates a proactive approach to ensuring pedestrian safety.