Right of way and pedestrians

Key points

1. Courtesy is a key to safe driving, and safety comes before right of way.

   Source: PDF page 59

   “Courtesy is a key to safe driving and safety comes before right-of-way.”
   West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, PDF page 59

2. If another driver does not follow the right of way rules, give the right of way anyway.

   Source: PDF page 59

   “There are certain rules to help determine the right-of-way, but if the other driver does not follow these rules, give the right-of-way.”
   West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, PDF page 59

3. In every situation, right of way is something to be given, not taken.

   Source: PDF page 59

   “Remember, in every situation, right-of-way is something to be given, not taken.”
   West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, PDF page 59

4. Vehicle and pedestrian collisions account for nearly 20% of traffic fatalities.

   Source: PDF page 60

   “Vehicle-pedestrian collisions account for nearly 20% of traffic fatalities.”
   West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, PDF page 60

5. Take extreme care to avoid pedestrians in school zones, bus stops, playgrounds and parks.

   Source: PDF page 60

   “Drivers must use extreme care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian, especially in areas where special hazards exist, such as school zones, bus stops, playgrounds, and parks.”
   West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, PDF page 60

6. Pedestrians must not walk on interstate highways.

   Source: PDF page 60

   “Pedestrians must not walk on interstate highways or other areas where signs to that effect are posted.”
   West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, PDF page 60

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the West Virginia practice test

1. 1. What is the handbook's guiding principle when another driver fails to yield as required?

   1. Give the right-of-way to avoid a collision
   2. Force the other driver to stop because the rule is on your side
   3. Use the horn until the other driver reverses
   4. Proceed first whenever you entered the road legally
   Show answer

   Give the right-of-way to avoid a collision. West Virginia presents right-of-way as a safety responsibility, not a prize to seize. The handbook says there are rules to help determine the right-of-way, but if the other driver does not follow them, you give the right-of-way, and it adds that right-of-way is something to be given, not taken. Forcing the issue can turn a legal priority into a crash. A horn may warn but cannot replace a safe decision, and entering legally does not guarantee that every other driver will notice you. Reduce speed, create space, and let the conflict pass before resuming your route.

2. 2. What should come before insisting on your right-of-way?

   1. Safety and courtesy
   2. A rapid acceleration
   3. A warning horn held continuously
   4. The size of your vehicle
   Show answer

   Safety and courtesy. The handbook places safety ahead of priority. A driver should use courtesy and avoid forcing another road user into a dangerous choice, even when the rules seem favorable. Accelerating to claim space can turn a misunderstanding into a crash, while a continuous horn does not establish authority. A larger vehicle still has the same responsibility to avoid harm. Scan the whole movement, anticipate mistakes, and yield when that is the safer course. Right-of-way is useful only when every road user can proceed safely.

3. 3. Where should drivers use extreme care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian?

   1. Only at gas stations
   2. Only on empty rural roads
   3. In school zones, bus stops, playgrounds, and parks
   4. Only in a vehicle inspection lane
   Show answer

   In school zones, bus stops, playgrounds, and parks. Pedestrian collisions are especially dangerous in places where people may enter the roadway unexpectedly. The handbook names school zones, bus stops, playgrounds, and parks as locations requiring extreme care. These areas can have children, people crossing between vehicles, or limited sight distance. The choice naming only rural roads misses the listed hazards, while a gas station or inspection lane is not the handbook's specific warning. Reduce speed, scan both sides, and be ready to stop whenever a pedestrian may move into your path.

Source: the West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, Chapter VI: Traffic Laws And Rules Of The Road. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.