A pedestrian facing a flashing or steady hand or don't walk symbol should…?
- Disregard it
- Cross if no traffic is present
- Cross slowly
- Not cross but finish crossing the street if they have already started ✓
Answer: D. Not cross but finish crossing the street if they have already started
A pedestrian facing a flashing or steady hand or don't walk symbol should not begin to cross, but should finish crossing to a safe area if they have already started.
Why this is the answer
The handbook says the white walking symbol is the signal to walk, while a flashing or steady orange hand means pedestrians must not begin to cross. It also says pedestrians who have already started when the hand appears should go as quickly as possible to a safe area. While they are crossing, pedestrians still have the right-of-way over vehicles. That is why the correct choice is to hold back from starting but complete a crossing already underway.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Disregard it — Ignoring the hand symbol is wrong because the handbook says pedestrians must not begin to cross when it appears.
- B. Cross if no traffic is present — Crossing just because no traffic is present is wrong; the hand signal itself tells pedestrians not to begin crossing.
- C. Cross slowly — Crossing slowly is wrong because the rule is not to start crossing on the hand symbol; those already crossing should go as quickly as possible to a safe area.
Remember it
Hand up means hold at the curb; if you're already moving, get to safety without delay.