What action should a driver take upon encountering a pedestrian in a crosswalk?

When a driver encounters a pedestrian in a crosswalk, the appropriate action is to yield the right-of-way. This rule is in place to ensure the safety of pedestrians, as they have the legal right to cross the road at designated crosswalks. Yielding allows the pedestrian to cross safely without the risk of being struck by a vehicle.

Additionally, honking to alert the pedestrian could create confusion or distress, potentially endangering them. Speeding up to pass a pedestrian demonstrates a disregard for their safety and is not permissible under traffic laws. Similarly, stopping only if the pedestrian is directly in the driver's lane ignores the responsibility to yield, as pedestrians may be crossing on the edges of the crosswalk as well. Therefore, yielding the right-of-way protects the pedestrian and complies with driving regulations.