Question

Difficulty: MediumPedestrian and Vulnerable Road User Laws

When a driver approaches an intersection where a visually impaired pedestrian using a white cane is preparing to cross, the driver may sound the vehicle's horn to inform the pedestrian that it is safe to proceed.

Answer: Answer

Answer

False. Drivers must never sound their horn at a visually impaired pedestrian using a white cane or service animal.
Drivers must yield the right-of-way to visually impaired pedestrians at all times and refrain from honking, which can disorient the pedestrian or startle a guide animal.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the vulnerable road user in the scenario and their special protections under traffic law.
The pedestrian is visually impaired, indicated by the use of a white cane.
Traffic safety statutes accord absolute right-of-way and heightened safety duties to visually impaired pedestrians.
2
Evaluate the legality and safety of using the vehicle's horn to communicate with a visually impaired pedestrian.
Sounding the horn is illegal and hazardous in this scenario.
Loud horn blasts disorient visually impaired pedestrians, obscure environmental audio cues they rely on, and can startle service animals.

Key Concept

Visually Impaired Pedestrian Right-of-Way and Driver Duties
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