Push the Button! Wait for the Walk Signal!
Using Push-Button Activated Traffic Signals
Most pedestrian signals will not automatically change to
provide pedestrian crossings at locations with push buttons; the button must be
pushed to activate the signals. Each intersection is timed differently
according to its size and traffic/pedestrian patterns. Intersections have been
studied and timed based on an average walking speed. Longer crossing times are
provided at intersections used primarily by children and senior citizens.
So how do you do it?
(1) You must first press the pedestrian push-button. Waiting time will vary at each intersection.
(1) You must first press the pedestrian push-button. Waiting time will vary at each intersection.
(2) Wait for the WHITE, WALKING FIGURE symbol (or WALK signs
on older signals) before you step off the curb into the street.
(3) Look both ways for moving and turning vehicles, then
proceed with caution across the intersection, walking within the crosswalk.
(4) The ORANGE FLASHING HAND (or DONT WALK signs on older
signals) alerts pedestrians that they may not start crossing the intersection,
but may finish crossing if they have already started during the “WALK”
indication.
(5) When the ORANGE HAND (or DONT WALK signs on older
signals) stops flashing, traffic will begin to move across the crosswalk.
Pedestrians should wait on the curb for the next WALK symbol to be activated by
once again pushing the button.
