Yield for pedestrian in crosswalk

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Pedestrians must wait for traffic to pass before entering a crosswalk, but traffic only has to yield to pedestrians already in the crosswalk. As a result, heavy traffic prevents a pedestrian from entering the crosswalk and crossing the street, and this demotes the pedestrian to a second class road user.

In the absence of a HAWK signal[1], a hand signal by a pedestrian on the curb should be treated by drivers the same as a pedestrian already in the crosswalk. This solves the dilemma. Once traffic stops and the pedestrian enters the intersection, the hand may be lowered.

This will require changing the law and educating drivers and pedestrians. Signs may also help.