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Difficulty: MediumPedestrian and Bicycle Signals and Markings

While approaching an intersection crosswalk, a driver notices that the pedestrian signal displays a solid raised hand ('DON'T WALK') icon. However, a uniformed traffic officer standing in the intersection actively gestures for pedestrians to cross and signals for approaching vehicles to stop. What is the driver legally required to do?

  1. Stop completely as directed by the traffic officer, allowing pedestrians to cross safely.Answer
  2. B
    Proceed through the intersection because electronic pedestrian signals take legal priority over manual hand gestures.
  3. C
    Slow down and yield, treating the officer's stop gesture as a yield requirement without coming to a complete stop if the lane is clear.
  4. D
    Proceed with caution at low speed, treating the conflicting pedestrian signal and officer directive as a flashing yellow warning light.

Answer

Drivers must come to a complete stop as instructed by the traffic officer, because manual hand signals from an authorized traffic officer override all electronic traffic signals and pedestrian indicators.
The correct response mandates stopping as directed by the traffic officer. In all traffic scenarios, hand signals and verbal directions given by a law enforcement or designated traffic officer supersede any conflicting electronic signals, pedestrian indicators, or posted regulatory signs.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the conflict between the pedestrian signal display and the traffic officer's hand signals.
The pedestrian signal shows 'DON'T WALK', but the officer directs pedestrians to cross and drivers to stop.
Recognizing conflicting traffic control inputs is necessary to determine right-of-way.
2
Apply the legal hierarchy of traffic control devices and authority.
Law enforcement and traffic officer directives take immediate precedence over electronic signals, signs, and pavement markings.
Traffic officers manage real-time safety conditions and have supreme authority over automated devices.
3
Determine the required driver action.
The driver must yield and bring the vehicle to a complete stop as commanded by the officer.
Failing to obey a traffic officer's signal is a direct moving violation.

Key Concept

Traffic Officer Priority Over Electronic Signals
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Topics

Pedestrian and Bicycle Signals and Markings

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