Which contributing factor should be noted when a vehicle strikes a pedestrian legally in a crosswalk?

When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian in a crosswalk, the most critical contributing factor to note is the failure to yield the right of way to the pedestrian. In many jurisdictions, traffic laws explicitly require vehicles to yield to pedestrians when they are lawfully crossing in a designated crosswalk. This duty helps ensure the safety of pedestrians, who often have the right of way in these locations. If a driver does not yield to a pedestrian who is legally crossing, the incident may be considered a violation of traffic law and a contributing factor to the collision.

The other factors, while they may play a role in various traffic incidents, do not directly address the specific legal obligation of drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. For example, excessive speed can increase the risk of accidents but does not directly pertain to the driver’s responsibility towards pedestrians in crosswalks. Distracted driving similarly may reduce a driver's ability to see pedestrians but does not inherently define the legal circumstances of right-of-way. An improper lane change is generally unrelated to pedestrian crossings unless it directly affects the driver's ability to yield. Thus, the failure to yield right of way stands out as the most relevant contributing factor in this situation.