Pedestrian Signals: Walk/Don't Walk & Intersection Signals

Understanding Pedestrian Signal Systems:

Pedestrian signals help pedestrians cross safely at intersections with traffic lights. These signals coordinate with traffic lights to provide protected crossing times for pedestrians while managing vehicle traffic flow.

Standard Pedestrian Signals:

🚶 Walk Signal (White Walking Symbol):

The signal for pedestrians to walk is a white walking symbol. When facing this signal:

• Pedestrians may cross the road in the direction of the signal

• While crossing, pedestrians have the right-of-way over all vehicles

• Vehicles must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks

✋ Don't Walk Signal (Flashing or Steady Orange Hand):

A flashing or steady orange hand symbol means:

• Pedestrians must not begin to cross the road

• Pedestrians already crossing when hand signal appears should continue to safe area as quickly as possible

• While completing their crossing, pedestrians still have right-of-way over vehicles

Traffic Light Coordination:

At intersections with traffic lights where there are no pedestrian signals:

• Pedestrians facing a green light may cross

• Pedestrians may not cross on a flashing green light

• Pedestrians may not cross on a left-turn green arrow

• Always wait for appropriate signal before crossing

Intersection Pedestrian Signals:

Specialized intersection pedestrian signals are installed at locations where:

• Push buttons are provided for pedestrians

• Pedestrian signals give more time to cross than regular traffic lights

• Main road has traffic signal lights

• Side road is controlled by stop signs

• Busy main road requires special signals to help pedestrians cross safely

Components of Intersection Pedestrian Signals:

• One or more crosswalks

• Pedestrian walk and don't walk signals

• Push buttons for pedestrians to activate signals

• Traffic signal lights on main road only

• Stop signs control traffic on smaller cross road

Using Intersection Pedestrian Signals:

For Pedestrians:

• Press push button to activate walk signal

• Wait for white walking symbol before crossing

• Cross only when you have the walk signal

• Don't begin crossing on flashing or steady hand signal

• Complete crossing quickly if hand signal appears while crossing

For Drivers:

• Observe and obey traffic signals

• Watch for pedestrians at all crosswalks

• Yield to pedestrians who have walk signal

• Be especially careful when turning through crosswalks

• Use safe driving skills when approaching these intersections

Pedestrian Signal Timing:

Walk Phase:

• Provides time for pedestrians to start crossing safely

• All conflicting vehicle traffic has red light

• Duration calculated based on crossing distance and walking speed

Flashing Don't Walk Phase:

• Warns pedestrians that walk time is ending

• Allows pedestrians already crossing to complete crossing

• Gives drivers warning that pedestrian phase is ending

Solid Don't Walk Phase:

• Indicates pedestrians should not enter crosswalk

• Provides clearance time before vehicle traffic gets green light

• Ensures intersection is clear before vehicles proceed

Pedestrian Right-of-Way Rules:

🚶 Pedestrians with Walk Signal:

• Have absolute right-of-way in crosswalk

• Vehicles must yield regardless of turning movements

• Drivers must wait for pedestrians to clear crosswalk

🚗 Vehicles at Pedestrian Crossings:

• Must yield to pedestrians with walk signal

• Cannot proceed until pedestrians clear their path

• Must yield even when making legal turns

• Cannot block crosswalks while waiting

Special Considerations:

♿ Accessible Pedestrian Signals:

Some locations have:

• Audible signals for visually impaired pedestrians

• Vibrotactile signals for hearing-impaired pedestrians

• Extended crossing times for mobility-impaired pedestrians

• Larger push buttons for easier activation

👶 School Zone Pedestrian Signals:

• May have longer walk times during school hours

• Often combined with school crossing guards

• May have special activation during school arrival/dismissal times

• Extra caution required in school zones

Driver Responsibilities at Pedestrian Signals:

• Always yield to pedestrians with walk signal

• Don't block crosswalks when stopped

• Watch for pedestrians when making turns

• Be patient - pedestrian signals provide necessary crossing time

• Check crosswalks before proceeding on green light

• Stop completely before crosswalk at red lights

Pedestrian Signal Violations:

For Pedestrians:

• Crossing against don't walk signal can result in fines

• Jaywalking outside designated crosswalks is illegal

• Delaying traffic by crossing slowly may result in charges

For Drivers:

• Failing to yield to pedestrians with walk signal results in fines and demerit points

• Blocking crosswalks is a traffic violation

• Hitting pedestrians in crosswalks can result in serious charges