Crosswalks and pedestrians - easy question

[civlaw]

No, you do not have to "yield" when a pedestrian is an unfathomable distance away; and, it annoys me intensely when people do. IMO, you're creating a dangerous situation for other drivers behind you by suddenly stopping for no apparent reason.

That said, if you do get cited and have your day in court, it will come down to the judicial officer's interpretation of the law.

Good questions to ask when accused of not yielding:
How far was the pedestrian from your vehicle when you entered the cross walk.
What was your speed?
What was the pedestrian's speed?
Did the pedestrian have to make any evasive maneuver to avoid your vehicle at any time while your vehicle was in the cross walk?

This is one of many reasons why I always have a dash cam running.

[bohoki]

[Victor Cachat]

I say let's give them 3ft, like the bikes.
OK, 10ft because they are crossing in front of you.

I usually proceed if they are already past me and crossing in front of opposing traffic lanes.

[StraightShot04]

It's not ok when I'm literally still right in front of them.

I know, I agree. I said NOT okay.

[umd]

I know, I agree. I said NOT okay.

Sorry I read it quickly and thought you said would be ok. It pisses me off to no end when I hear the engine rev when I am at the middle of their hood. Just effing wait a second, ok? It's about 50/50 when I'm on foot and probably 99% of the time on my bike.

[oldsmoboat]

<--- Not LEO
I used to teach Defensive Drivers Training and this question came up a lot. I asked a group of motorcycle CHP officers I was working with and they said that as long as the person using the crosswalk doesn't have to change their gait to avoid your vehicle, you are good to go. They said that was according to the CVC but that local municipalities may have added to the regs. Some places might be that you have to yeild to anyone till then are at the center divide or some might say as long as they are in the crosswalk.

[Tripper]

San Francisco would be a gold mine, if cars couldn't move until a person was completely out of the crosswalk