Must a driver yield to pedestrians in an unmarked crosswalk?

In Illinois, as well as in many other states, drivers are required to yield to pedestrians at unmarked crosswalks. An unmarked crosswalk refers to any intersection where no specific crosswalk lines indicate where people should cross, but pedestrian crossing rights are still recognized by law. This means that pedestrians maintain the right-of-way when crossing streets at these locations.

Yielding to pedestrians promotes safety and is essential for preventing accidents. It recognizes the vulnerability of pedestrians, especially in areas where they might not be as visible to drivers. When a driver approaches an unmarked crosswalk, they must slow down and prepare to stop if any pedestrians are present or about to cross.

Understanding this rule helps ensure that roads remain safe for all users, especially those who are most at risk of injury in a collision.