Final answer:
When encountering children or school crossing guards in a crosswalk, you must slow down and proceed with caution to ensure their safety. The correct answer is option a).
Step-by-step explanation:
When children or school crossing guards are present in a crosswalk, the action you must take is to slow down and proceed with caution. It is your legal and moral obligation to ensure the safety of pedestrians, especially in areas where children are likely to be crossing.
Pedestrian safety is a critical issue, particularly near schools and campuses where students frequently cross roads. The installation of a traffic signal at busy intersections is a common solution to help manage vehicle speeds and provide safe crossing opportunities for pedestrians.
Examples that support the reasoning for slowing down in the presence of pedestrians include the higher incidence of accidents at intersections without proper signals and the necessity for pedestrians to 'dodge' through traffic, putting them at significant risk. Adhering to speed limits, especially in urban areas where the limit is typically 60 km/hr.