How can a driver tell if a pedestrian is about to cross the street?

A driver can determine if a pedestrian is about to cross the street primarily by checking for signals or indications of movement. This can include observing a pedestrian stepping off the curb, looking in the driver’s direction, or any other behavior that suggests the pedestrian is preparing to cross. Pedestrians often exhibit certain body language or movements that signal their intention to cross, and being alert to these cues is crucial for maintaining safety on the road.

Other options provide useful information but are not as directly relevant. For example, looking for pedestrians on the sidewalk can help assess the presence of people but does not necessarily indicate their immediate intention to cross. Watching for traffic lights changing is important for understanding right-of-way but may not be useful if there are no signals indicating pedestrian crossing. Listening for sounds of crossing signals can be helpful in specific scenarios, particularly in urban environments with established signal systems, but it is not a reliable method in every situation as not all pedestrian crossings have audible signals.