When approaching a pelican crossing, which action must drivers take?

When approaching a pelican crossing, drivers must stop if pedestrians are waiting to cross. This is a critical action as pelican crossings are specifically designed to ensure the safety of pedestrians. They are equipped with traffic lights that not only control vehicle traffic but also indicate when pedestrians can safely cross. If pedestrians are waiting at the crossing, it signifies that they intend to cross the street, and as part of the responsibility of drivers, it is essential to give way to them.

Stopping for pedestrians is not just a matter of courtesy; it is a legal requirement to foster road safety. This rule helps prevent accidents and ensures that pedestrians can cross safely, as they may not always be visible to drivers due to various factors such as weather conditions or the height of vehicles.

The other choices represent unsafe practices or misunderstandings of traffic laws. Speeding up to clear the crossing would endanger pedestrians who might enter the crossing at that moment. Honking to alert pedestrians does not contribute to their safety and may even confuse them. Similarly, proceeding without stopping when pedestrians are waiting contradicts both legal obligations and the principles of safe driving.