What should you do when you see a pedestrian crossing sign?

When you see a pedestrian crossing sign, yielding to pedestrians is the appropriate action to take. This sign indicates that there is likely a designated area for pedestrians to cross the road, and it signals drivers to be extra cautious.

Yielding not only complies with traffic laws but also ensures the safety of those crossing the street. Pedestrians have the right of way at marked crossings, which means they should be allowed to cross safely without the risk of vehicles approaching at high speeds. By stopping or slowing down for pedestrians, drivers contribute to a safer road environment for everyone.

In contrast, speeding up and continuing could put the pedestrians at risk and potentially result in serious accidents. Changing lanes to avoid pedestrians may not always be safe or possible, as other vehicles or obstacles could be nearby. Sounding your horn is generally used to alert others of your presence but is not a substitute for yielding; it could actually startle pedestrians and create an unsafe situation. Therefore, the best and safest course of action when encountering a pedestrian crossing sign is to yield.