Illinois CDL Practice Exam

What action should a driver take when encountering pedestrian traffic while backing up?

1. Accelerate to pass quickly

2. Honk the horn to alert pedestrians

3. Stop and yield to pedestrians

4. Continue backing up at a slow speed

The correct answer is: Stop and yield to pedestrians

When a driver encounters pedestrian traffic while backing up, the appropriate action is to stop and yield to pedestrians. This is essential for ensuring the safety of pedestrians, who may not be visible to the driver or may not expect a vehicle to be reversing. Yielding to pedestrians means giving them the right of way, which aligns with traffic laws designed to protect vulnerable road users. Pedestrians have the priority in most situations, particularly when they are in the vicinity of a vehicle that is backing up. Stopping allows the driver to assess the situation accurately, checking for any pedestrians and ensuring a safe environment before proceeding. Other actions, such as accelerating to pass quickly or simply honking the horn, do not prioritize pedestrian safety and can lead to dangerous situations. Continuing to back up at a slow speed without ensuring the area is clear can also result in accidents or injuries. Thus, yielding to pedestrians is the best and safest response.