Traffic officer overrides a green light at a failed Almaty intersection
At 21:40 in Almaty, you approach a four-way signalized intersection at 45 km/h in the left lane. Your plan is to turn left. The main green light is on, but the intersection's controller has failed and a traffic police officer is standing in the centre directing traffic. As you get within 30 m, the officer faces your approach with his right arm extended forward and his baton held vertically in that hand. A pedestrian is waiting on the corner, and a car behind you is close. You have already entered the left-turn lane, but the officer's signal is the only active control. The road surface is dry and visibility is good. You must decide whether the arm position permits your left turn, and how to proceed if it does not, without blocking the car behind or the pedestrian crossing.
1. What does the officer's right arm extended forward mean for you, and may you complete the left turn?
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His right arm extended forward is a traffic-controller signal, not a decorative gesture. Approaching from the side he is facing - his chest side - it permits movement straight and to the right only; it does not permit a left turn. The controller's signal overrides the green light, so the green light is not authority to turn left. Because you are already in the left-turn lane, do not swing across lanes or force a straight movement if the lane is marked left-turn only. Stop before the stop line if you can do so safely, keep the wheels straight, and wait for the officer's next signal or for a safe, legal lane change. Do not reverse to leave the lane.
2. A pedestrian steps onto the crosswalk on your intended path while the officer still holds the signal. Who has priority, and what should you do?
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Even when the officer's signal permits you to move, you must not drive into a pedestrian who is already crossing or has stepped onto the crosswalk. The officer controls vehicle movement, but the pedestrian's safety and priority at a marked crossing still apply. If the pedestrian is in your path, stop and wait; do not sound the horn aggressively or steer around the person. If the pedestrian is only waiting on the corner and not in the roadway, proceed only after checking that the way is clear and that the driver behind has had time to react. Early brake lights and a clear indicator reduce rear-end risk.