Sharing the Road (Pedestrians, Cyclists, Motorcycles, Large Trucks, School Buses)
Pedestrians and Cyclists
Pedestrians in a crosswalk-marked or unmarked-have the right of way; yield and do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk. When passing a cyclist, give at least three feet of clearance and pass only when safe. Cyclists are entitled to the road and may ride in the lane when necessary; do not crowd or honk aggressively.
Motorcycles and Large Trucks
Motorcycles have the same rights as cars, and riders may use a full lane. Give them extra following distance because they can stop quickly. With large trucks, remember the "no-zones": blind spots in front, behind, and along both sides. A truck's right turn often requires a wide swing to the left first-never squeeze into the space on its right. Trucks also need long distances to stop and make wide turns; do not cut in front of them.
School Buses
On a two-lane road (or a multi-lane road without a physical median), you must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, whether you are behind it or approaching from the opposite direction. On a divided highway with a physical median, traffic on the opposite side does not stop. Remain stopped until the lights stop flashing and the arm retracts.
Traps: questions that ask whether you must stop for a bus on the opposite side of a divided highway (no, if separated by a physical median); questions about passing a stopped school bus (never). Rule of thumb: if the red lights are flashing, stop-unless a physical median separates your direction from the bus.