Final answer:
Vehicles must yield to pedestrians to improve safety and traffic flow, particularly in busy areas like school zones. A traffic signal can provide clear crossing times for pedestrians. In emergencies, exceptions may be considered, but typically adherence to traffic signals is mandatory for all.
Step-by-step explanation:
A vehicle must yield to a pedestrian to ensure pedestrian safety, which is a significant concern, particularly in high-traffic areas such as school zones or campuses. Pedestrians must often navigate through traffic, and the introduction of a traffic signal can significantly improve their ability to cross at appropriate times. Traffic signals not only help in regulating vehicle speeds but also provide clear indications of when vehicles must stop, ensuring that pedestrians can cross safely. In urgent situations, such as when a pregnant woman is in the vehicle needing to get to the hospital urgently, exceptions may be considered under emergency response protocols, though typically all vehicles must adhere to traffic signals for the safety of all road users.