How should you approach a pedestrian crossing?

Approaching a pedestrian crossing requires vigilance and caution to ensure the safety of pedestrians. The correct approach is to slow down and prepare to stop if pedestrians are present. This action prioritizes the safety of individuals crossing the street and adheres to traffic laws, which often require drivers to yield to pedestrians.

By slowing down, you give yourself the opportunity to assess the situation and react appropriately based on the presence of pedestrians. This proactive measure helps prevent accidents and reinforces the responsibility of drivers to watch for pedestrians at crossings.

The other options suggest actions that do not align with safe driving practices. Signaling intent to cross, while potentially useful, does not address the immediate need to ensure pedestrian safety. Accelerating to pass before pedestrians cross directly endangers their lives and contravenes traffic laws designed to protect those on foot. Only stopping if a traffic officer is present does not consider the basic law of yielding to pedestrians, which is crucial regardless of the officer's presence. Being attentive and ready to stop is essential for fostering a safe environment for everyone on the road.