If a traffic signal changes while a pedestrian is still on the street, which of the following has the right-of-way?
- The pedestrian ✓
- Motorists coming from his right
- Motorists making a turn
- Motorists coming from his left
Answer: A. The pedestrian
The pedestrian has the right-of-way when the signal changes while they are still crossing.
Why this is the answer
The handbook says pedestrians who are already crossing when a hand signal appears should continue quickly to a safe area, and while they are crossing they still have the right-of-way over vehicles. That applies even after the signal changes, so drivers must not treat the changing light as permission to take priority over someone already in the street.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. Motorists coming from his right — Motorists coming from the pedestrian's right do not get priority, because a pedestrian who is already crossing has the right-of-way over all vehicles.
- C. Motorists making a turn — Motorists making a turn must still yield, since the handbook gives a pedestrian who is already crossing the right-of-way over vehicles.
- D. Motorists coming from his left — Motorists coming from the pedestrian's left do not get priority either, because the pedestrian already in the street keeps the right-of-way over vehicles.
Remember it
Once you are already crossing, a changing signal means hurry to safety, not that drivers now get to go first.
Official handbook: Official MTO Driver's Handbook, Pedestrian signals