How to cross the street?

Forget about the stupid orange hand thing, you only cross when there are no cars on the intersection or the opposite intersection has red light.

Walk then the white or blue walking man symbol appears. When the orange hand is flashing, that means if you have already started walking you can continue, but you should not try to start waking across the street as there will not be enough time before the light changes. The solid orange hand (not flashing) means stop and wait at the curb, the cars have the right of way.

Be sure you are looking at the signal across the street from yourself and walk towards that signal. You should also look at the red-yellow-green symbols the cars use. Some people may cross when the light is green to stay with the flow of traffic, but the pedestrian signal may be an orange hand to allow cars to turn. Pedestrians who cross on the orange hand may be ticketed for jaywalking.

How To Cross A Street

Rule number one (This is an absolute, like the firmness of the earth.) Never cross when there are cars coming. Just because you have the right of way, just because you are in the crosswalk legally, just because every law ever written is on your side, you will not survive the impact.

Rule number two: There is generally a blue person that indicates when it's time for you to quickly walk across the street, right after you consider rule number one above.

Rule number three: A blinking red hand means that if you haven't started crossing, don't, and if you have, hustle. It means the allotted time for you to be in the crosswalk is rapidly diminishing.

Rule number four: A solid red hand means do not under any circumstances step into the crosswalk.

There is a myth circulating that pedestrians always have the right of way. This is a lie. Pedestrians have the right of way under a very strict set of circumstances. But not all circumstances. Motorists bear the burden of making sure they don't hit stupid pedestrians who believe the myth, but if a pedestrian such as you breaks the law and steps into traffic when they're not supposed to, it is likely that the driver will not be held accountable.

So whatever you do, obey the law and don't get crazy.

The symbols are supposed to be white and red:

The white walking symbol is equivalent to a green light when you are driving. Walk now.

When the red hand symbol is flashing, it is equivalent to a yellow light when driving. Don't enter the crosswalk, but you can continue if you are already in it. Get out quickly.

When the red symbol is on steady, that is equivalent to a red light while driving. Do not be in the crosswalk.

These symbols vary a little from city to city, so learn the ones where you live.

And no matter what the light says, watch the traffic closely. Sometimes drivers will violate your right of way, especially if they are turning left. Be ready to dodge out of the way if one comes at you. And if you are in dark clothing at night, realize that you are practically invisible to drivers. You only get to be hit like that once in this lifetime.

you push the button to let the traffic lights know theres a person there. when you have the red hand, dont walk because theres a green light somewhere for cars. when the little green man lights up, its safe to walk (or at least you have the right of way and if a car is doing a left turn, they have to wait).

when the red hand starts flashing, you better hurry up a little bit.

You walk when it show you can go, but you need to watch for cars anyway, because they don't follow the rules. I know when you get into a big city, it's like everybody is nuts, and things are going on all around you at the same time, just keep your cool and be very care full. Good Luck