I can't recall properly where I read it, but some time ago there was an idea to have stop signals also in front of the car, so the pedestrians would know if the driver/car is stopping.
There are also pedestrians who can take into account if the car is turning (obviously by watching the turning lights).
A self-driving car should have some reactions to people around it, so people could also respond properly to its actions, or know its intentions. There was a comment about an empty electric car near the intersection, staying still, and people around it can't tell if the car is parked, waiting, etc.
People understand what brake lights are and it's relatively simple to see the car slowing down that corresponds with the lights. Then assuming the driver doesn't use the hand brake then it should be obvious that the car is starting again when the brake lights go out.
All this flickering of lights seems way too complex
That won't work you can never know if the driver sees you or other cars, this is actually a very common problem at intersections. Drivers look for cars and slow down, people walk/bicycle over thinking the driver has seen them. This is how people die at intersections.
There are also pedestrians who can take into account if the car is turning (obviously by watching the turning lights).
A self-driving car should have some reactions to people around it, so people could also respond properly to its actions, or know its intentions. There was a comment about an empty electric car near the intersection, staying still, and people around it can't tell if the car is parked, waiting, etc.