What is the proper action if a pedestrian is in your path?

Yielding and stopping for a pedestrian is the correct action to take when they are in your path. This action is in line with traffic laws that prioritize the safety of pedestrians. When a pedestrian is crossing or is about to cross in front of a vehicle, it is crucial for drivers to give them the right of way. Stopping allows the pedestrian to cross safely, reducing the risk of an accident and ensuring that they can proceed without fear of a vehicle coming too close. Additionally, yielding to pedestrians contributes to a safer driving environment for all road users.

Accelerating past them poses significant risk and is unsafe, while honking may startle pedestrians and is not a respectful or effective way to handle the situation. Changing lanes could potentially introduce new hazards, especially if it interferes with other traffic flow or if the lanes are not clear. Therefore, yielding and stopping is the safest and most responsible choice when encountering a pedestrian.