What should a driver do if they encounter a pedestrian crossing the road?

A driver should stop and give the pedestrian the right of way because pedestrians have the priority when crossing the road, particularly at marked crosswalks and intersections. This rule is in place to ensure the safety of individuals crossing the street, as they are more vulnerable than vehicles.

By stopping, the driver allows the pedestrian to cross safely, reducing the risk of an accident and promoting a culture of vigilance and respect for pedestrian rights on the road. This action also adheres to traffic laws in most jurisdictions, including Ohio, which mandate that drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.

In contrast, the other actions mentioned would not support pedestrian safety. For example, accelerating to pass could put the pedestrian in danger, honking may startle them or cause confusion, and continuing to drive without stopping would disregard the pedestrian's right of way and potentially result in a serious accident. Therefore, yielding to pedestrians is not only a legal obligation but also a critical aspect of responsible driving.