What is the purpose of crosswalk signals?

• A. They help drivers know when to stop for pedestrians.
• B. They control pedestrian lighting in the city.
• C. They indicate when pedestrians may cross and when it is safe for vehicles to proceed.
• D. They indicate the maximum time pedestrians can cross.

Answer: (C)

Crosswalk signals are about coordinating safety for both pedestrians and drivers by showing when it’s allowed to cross and when vehicles must stop. This pair of signals gives pedestrians a clear window to cross and tells drivers when to yield, reducing conflicts in the crosswalk. A common pattern is a Walk signal for pedestrians paired with a red light or stop for vehicles, and a Don’t Walk signal with vehicles allowed to proceed when it’s no longer conflicting. Some systems include a countdown timer to show how much time remains to cross, but the main idea is the mutual signaling that keeps crossing safe. The other ideas don’t fit as well because signals aren’t about controlling city pedestrian lighting or enforcing a universal maximum crossing time; they’re about coordinating crossing times between people and vehicles.