When a school crossing guard is directing traffic, what should you do?

• A. Proceed through the intersection ignoring signals.
• B. Obey the guard's signals and proceed as directed.
• C. Only stop if no other cars are present.
• D. Speed up to clear the area.

Answer: (B)

When a school crossing guard is directing traffic, you must follow the guard's signals and proceed as directed. The guard’s job is to keep children safe as they cross, so their instructions override other signals in the crossing area. If the guard motions you to stop, you stop; if they motion you to go, you proceed with caution and watch for kids in or near the crosswalk. Move slowly and be prepared to stop again if the guard signals so. This approach protects pedestrians and aligns with traffic laws that give crossing guards authority in school zones.

Ignoring the guard’s signals isn’t safe and can lead to a crash, especially with children nearby. Stopping only when no other cars are present isn’t reliable, because a child could still be crossing. Speeding up to “clear the area” undermines safety and increases the risk of hitting a pedestrian.