Why does the pedestrian traffic signal flash “Don Walk” only seconds after turning green?
After being actuated, the pedestrian signal should display a white “Walking Man” for about six seconds. Pedestrians can step off the curb when safe and begin walking across the street. The pedestrian signal will begin flashing an orange “Upraised Hand” for several seconds to signify to subsequent pedestrians not to step off the curb. The “Upraised Hand” should flash long enough for someone who is already walking across the street to get completely across to the other side of the street. Those pedestrians who began walking across the street during the “Walking Man” signal should continue to walk across the street and onto the sidewalk on the other side of the street. The key thing to remember is the purpose of the flashing “Upraised Hand” is to communicate to pedestrians whether or not to step off the curb. If you missed the “Walking Man” signal, simply press the pedestrian pushbutton again and wait for the next cycle.
