A 2-minute lesson from the Maryland course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
A pedestrian crosswalk signal stops traffic so people can cross safely. A pedestrian pushes a button on a pole; the signal tells drivers to stop, then tells pedestrians to cross. Drivers and walkers see different lights at the same moment.
You're driving and the crosswalk signal ahead shows flashing red. A pedestrian is halfway across on the countdown. Stop, let them finish, then proceed with caution once the crosswalk is clear.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
What does a solid 'Walk' or walking-person signal tell a pedestrian to do?
Wait for the next cycle
Push the button to cross
Continue to wait
Look both ways; cross once traffic stops
Answer: Look both ways; cross once traffic stops
The walking-person signal tells pedestrians to look both ways and start crossing after traffic has stopped; pushing the button comes earlier, at the steady hand.
