When you’re taking a relaxing stroll, you may not be worried about the risks distracted, speeding, or negligent drivers pose. As someone who’s on the road, either as a driver or pedestrian, it’s your duty to follow road rules and to yield the right-of-way at intersections and crosswalks.
Continue reading to find out if pedestrians always have the right-of-way.
Safety is a Shared Responsibility
Most people are surprised to learn this, but pedestrians don’t always have the right-of-way. Drivers and pedestrians alike share the responsibility of keeping themselves and others safe on the road. The Federal Highway Administration is trying to increase pedestrian safety by investing in infrastructure improvements, such as redesigned roads that promote better pedestrian and bicycle traffic flow.
Below are some useful guidelines to follow for both drivers and pedestrians.
What Are the Duties of a Pedestrian?
When a pedestrian is crossing the street in an area without a marked crosswalk at an intersection, they must yield the right-of-way to vehicles. Moreover, when there are adjacent intersections at which traffic-control signals are in operation, it’s illegal for a pedestrian to cross between them; they may only cross in a marked crosswalk.
Furthermore, they’re prohibited from suddenly leaving a curb to walk or run into the path of a vehicle because this constitutes an immediate safety hazard.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians
To stay safe when you’re walking, do the following:
- Always look left-right-left before crossing the street and continue to look for vehicles as you cross.
- Remember, just because you’re using a crosswalk doesn’t guarantee a driver will see you. Wave your arms if an approaching driver isn’t slowing down.
- Don’t stand on the road while you’re waiting to cross.
- Always push the pedestrian signal button before using a crosswalk; this will give you more time to cross before the traffic light turns green.
- In the absence of a sidewalk, walk facing traffic along the shoulder of the roadway.
- Watch out for vehicles entering or exiting a parking lot or driveway.
- When you’re crossing a road with multiple lanes and a car in the closest lane stops to allow you to cross, make sure the drivers in other lanes can also see you. Once they come to a stop, continue to walk.
Safety Tips for Drivers
Even if you’ve been driving for decades, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the following safety tips:
● Slow down around schools, playgrounds, parks, and other areas children frequent.
● If one car has stopped at a crosswalk (either mark or unmarked), all other vehicles must also stop to allow a pedestrian to cross.
● Drivers making a left or right turn on a green light must yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian in a marked or unmarked crosswalk within the intersection.
● You must stop at the designated stop line in front of the crosswalk. Many drivers mistakenly stop inside the line, but that’s illegal.
Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help
Unfortunately, even if you follow every road rule, some reckless drivers may not be as responsible. If a negligent driver recently struck you, you may be eligible for compensation. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton can help you attain the damages you deserve while you focus on healing. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.