Sharing the Road (Pedestrians, Cyclists, Motorcycles, Large Vehicles)
Vulnerable Road Users
Every road user who isn't inside a steel cage deserves extra space and patience. Pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked crosswalks and at unmarked intersection crosswalks. Yield when a pedestrian is in your lane or approaching it; never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk - they may be yielding to someone you cannot see.
Cyclists are vehicles with the same road rights and responsibilities. Give them at least three feet of clearance when passing, and more at higher speeds. Check for cyclists before opening a car door (the "door zone") and before turning across a bike lane. Motorcyclists are harder to see and judge speed on; look twice at intersections and never share a lane with them.
Large vehicles - trucks and buses - have huge blind spots, long stopping distances, and wide turning radii. Never linger alongside a truck; if you can't see the driver's mirror, they can't see you. Trucks making a right turn often swing left first - don't squeeze into that gap. Stay well back when following, and pass quickly and decisively when safe.
Emergency vehicles with lights and sirens require you to pull to the right and stop until they pass. School buses with flashing red lights require stopping in both directions unless separated by a physical median.
Traps to Watch
Questions test the "no-zip" rule for cyclists (don't squeeze past), the three-foot passing rule, and the crosswalk trap of passing a stopped vehicle. Watch for motorcycle questions about following distance - they need more, not less. And remember that large-vehicle blind spots are called "no-zones."
Rule of Thumb
If you can't see the truck driver's face in their mirror, assume they cannot see you.