USAREUR Practice Exam

If the traffic light is green, what must the driver do regarding pedestrians?

1. Wait and permit the pedestrians to cross.

2. Urge the pedestrians to hurry by honking the horn.

3. Keep moving, because the pedestrians must wait.

4. Ignore the pedestrians altogether.

The correct answer is: Wait and permit the pedestrians to cross.

When the traffic light is green, the driver is required to be vigilant about the rights of pedestrians. This means that even though the green light indicates that vehicles can proceed, it does not give drivers an unrestricted right to ignore pedestrians. In many jurisdictions, drivers must yield to pedestrians who are already in the crosswalk or are in the process of crossing, regardless of the traffic signal. This ensures that pedestrian safety is prioritized, as they are often more vulnerable than vehicles. A responsible driver recognizes that the presence of a pedestrian in or near a crosswalk should factor into their decision-making, promoting safety and awareness on the road. The other options do not align with these traffic safety principles. Urging pedestrians to hurry or ignoring them altogether fails to consider pedestrian safety and can lead to dangerous situations. Keeping moving without acknowledging pedestrians can also violate traffic laws designed to protect those on foot. Thus, yielding to pedestrians while the light is green upholds the principles of road safety and respect for all road users.