California Driver Handbook
Sharing the Road
Pedestrians Who Are Blind
Pedestrians using guide dogs or white
canes with or without a red tip must be given the right
of way at all times.
These pedestrians are partially or totally blind, so be
especially careful when turning corners or backing up.
Here are some suggestion for helping pedestrians who are blind:
- Don’t stop your car more than five feet from the crosswalk. The blind pedestrian uses the sound of your engine as a guide, so drive up to the crosswalk to allow the person to hear you.
- Don’t give the blind pedestrian verbal directions. The blind pedestrian listens to all traffic sounds before deciding to cross the street.
- Don’t wait too long for the blind pedestrian to cross the street. If the person takes a step back and pulls in his or her cane, that’s a definite sign that you should go.
- Don’t turn right on red without looking first. Look for any pedestrian or other traffic first before starting your turn.
- Stop at all crosswalks where pedestrians are waiting.
- Don’t stop in the middle of a crosswalk. This forces the blind pedestrian to go around your car and into traffic outside of the crosswalk.
- Don’t block any sidewalk.
- Don’t honk at a blind person. The blind person has no idea who you are honking at and may be scared by the noise
Road Workers & Work Zones
Pay more attention where road work is being performed. Signs and message boards warn you of workers, slow moving equipment, and closed lanes ahead. Cones and/ or drums will direct you to open lanes. Merge as soon as possible without crossing the cones or drums. Reduce your speed and be prepared to slow down or stop for highway equipment.
The most common cause of motorist deaths and injuries in work zones is rear-end collisions. For your own safety and the safety of your passengers, remember to slow down, allow extra following room, merge early, expect sudden slowing or stopping, watch for drivers changing lanes at the last minute, and do not use your telephone while in the Cone Zone.
Keep your eyes on the road and vehicles ahead. Do not stop to watch the road work. Obey special signs or instructions from workers.
It’s for your own safety and the
safety of road workers that you
drive carefully through highway
work zones. Remember to “Slow
for the Cone Zone.”
Double Fine Zones
Due to increased accidents, injuries, and fatalities, certain roads are designated as “Safety Enhanced-Double Fine Zones.” Fines are doubled in these areas and also in highway construction or maintenance zones when workers are present. (VC §42010)
Move Over & Slow Down
Effective January 1, 2007, drivers are required to Move Over and Slow Down when approaching a roadside emergency along a state highway or freeway. The law is designed to reduce the deaths of police officers, towtruck drivers, paramedics and other emergency personnel who are aiding stranded motorists. Use caution if lane changes are required.