When must drivers yield the right-of-way to pedestrians?

Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at all times to ensure their safety. This principle is based on the idea that pedestrians, who are typically more vulnerable than vehicles, should have priority in scenarios where they are present. Yielding to pedestrians helps prevent accidents and promotes safe coexistence on roadways.

While it may seem that yielding only at crosswalks could be sufficient, this would not account for pedestrians outside of designated crossings or in less structured areas, such as when crossing streets where no crosswalks are marked. Similarly, yielding only when signaled by a traffic officer could create confusion and risks if pedestrians cross without such signals. The consideration of time of day does not factor into the requirement to yield; thus, it applies uniformly, regardless of whether it is day or night. The overarching rule remains that protecting pedestrian safety is paramount.