A pedestrian starts to cross the street after the "Don't Walk" signal begins to flash. The pedestrian is in the middle of the street when your signal light changes to green. You should:
- Proceed if you have the right-of-way.
- Proceed if the pedestrian is not in your lane.
- Wait until the pedestrian crosses the street before proceeding. ✓
Answer: C. Wait until the pedestrian crosses the street before proceeding.
You should wait until the pedestrian crosses the street before proceeding.
Why this is the answer
The handbook says a flashing Don't Walk means a pedestrian should not start crossing, but it also says drivers must yield to pedestrians even while that signal flashes. Elsewhere it tells you to use caution, slow down, or stop so a person already in the roadway can safely finish crossing, and it says not to start across an intersection on a green light when pedestrians block your path. Since this pedestrian is already in the street, your green light does not give you a reason to move forward.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Proceed if you have the right-of-way. — A green light or right-of-way does not cancel the rule that drivers yield to a pedestrian who is already crossing.
- B. Proceed if the pedestrian is not in your lane. — The pedestrian being outside your lane does not make it correct to proceed; the handbook says to stop and let the pedestrian safely finish crossing.
Remember it
Think: the person in the street finishes first, then your green light counts.