Why should drivers use extra caution when driving near a pedestrian with a white cane?

Using extra caution when driving near a pedestrian with a white cane is crucial primarily because it often indicates that the individual is blind or has significant visual impairments. The white cane serves as a mobility tool for visually impaired individuals, helping them navigate their surroundings and detect obstacles through tactile feedback.

Drivers need to be especially vigilant in these situations to prevent potential accidents. This awareness includes slowing down, being prepared to stop, and watching for any other cues indicating how the pedestrian may navigate, such as listening for sounds or the movements of the cane. Understanding this context encourages drivers to recognize the vulnerabilities of pedestrians who rely on white canes, ensuring safer interactions on the road.

The other options, while they may suggest reasons for caution, do not directly address the primary concern regarding the use of the white cane, which is its association with blindness or visual impairment.