What should you do if a pedestrian is still in the crosswalk after the “DON”T WALK” sign begins to flash and your light has turned green?
- Wait until the pedestrian is out of your path before proceeding.
- Wait until the pedestrian signals that it is okay for you to proceed.
- Wait until the pedestrian has crossed the street completely before proceeding. ✓
Answer: C. Wait until the pedestrian has crossed the street completely before proceeding.
Wait until the pedestrian has crossed the street completely, and only then proceed.
Why this is the answer
The handbook says you must yield to pedestrians even when the DON'T WALK light is flashing, and a green light still means stopping for any pedestrian in the intersection. It also tells drivers to stop so a pedestrian can safely finish crossing, and to give slower pedestrians, like seniors or people with small children, extra time. That adds up to letting the person finish the whole crossing, not squeezing past once they clear your lane.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Wait until the pedestrian is out of your path before proceeding. — The handbook asks you to let the pedestrian safely finish crossing, so clearing just your own path is not enough.
- B. Wait until the pedestrian signals that it is okay for you to proceed. — Nothing in the handbook says a pedestrian waves you through; eye contact means they are ready to cross and you yield, not that you may go.
Remember it
Green means go only after the crosswalk is empty and the person has reached the other side.