MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

Before allowing pedestrians to cross at an intersection, what must an officer do?

1. Direct traffic to take an alternative route.

2. Stop traffic from both directions completely.

3. Stop one roadway of traffic at a time.

The correct answer is: Stop traffic from both directions completely.

The correct answer focuses on the necessity for ensuring the safety of pedestrians before they cross at an intersection. Stopping traffic from both directions completely creates a secure environment where pedestrians can cross without the risk of encountering moving vehicles. This method allows for visibility and a clear path for pedestrians, which is crucial in preventing accidents and ensuring their safety. While one could consider directing traffic to take an alternative route as a valid safety measure, it does not directly address the most immediate concern – the safety of pedestrians at that specific intersection. Stopping one roadway of traffic at a time might provide some safety, but it does not fully eliminate risk, as pedestrians could still be at risk from traffic coming from the other direction. Thus, stopping traffic from both directions is the most effective way to create a safe crossing for pedestrians and is a standard practice in traffic enforcement to prioritize pedestrian safety at intersections.