Pedestrian Safety: Know Your Rules| Traffic Laws for Drivers

Source: Kathy McGraw, cc-by-3.0, flickr

According to statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), being a pedestrian can be dangerous. This is because more than 460 people will be seriously injured in pedestrian accidents in the next 24 hours, and one pedestrian will likely die in the next two hours. This is why it is so important to become aware of pedestrian-related laws. You should also pay attention to some important ways to stay safe while walking in the presence of vehicles.

Traffic Laws for Drivers

Most states have their own laws when it comes to pedestrians and their interactions with drivers. However, there are some rules that seem to be universal. In general, pedestrians have the right of way in most situations, including in both marked and unmarked crosswalks. But as a pedestrian, you are still expected to look out for your own wellbeing and yield to drivers in certain scenarios.

For example, drivers are supposed to yield to anyone who has started crossing at a crosswalk that has a walk signal. If there is no walk signal, drivers should yield to pedestrians who have started crossing at a green light. The same rule applies for pedestrians who are crossing a street that has no traffic lights, walk signals, or marked crosswalk.

Drivers also need to yield to pedestrians who have entered a driveway or alley. In addition, they should not pass a car that has stopped at an intersection, since they might not be able to see someone about to walk across the street. Driving on sidewalks and stopping in crosswalks are also violations drivers should not commit.

Laws for Pedestrians to Follow

At the same time, pedestrians have their own laws they need to adhere to. For instance, they are supposed to yield to drivers when they are crossing a road that does not have an intersection or crosswalk. In addition, when there is no green light or walk signal, pedestrians should yield to drivers before crossing the street. And of course, suddenly entering the street in front of a car is a bad idea, since it might not have enough time to stop.

Walking on the sidewalk is usually the safest option. But if there is no sidewalk, you should walk facing traffic. Also, before you cross any street, you should try to make eye contact with drivers, since this will let you know they see you while indicating to them that you are ready to cross.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

Adhering to traffic laws is just the start of being safe while walking along the road. If you want to improve your chance of staying safe on the street, take note of these pedestrian safety tips:

• Look for a marked crosswalk before you cross the street.
• Wear bright or reflective clothing when possible, or carry a small light that drivers will see at night.
• Put down your cell phone or other electronic device before you cross the street, since staying aware of your surroundings is important to your safety.
• Avoid listening to loud music as you walk, since you need to be able to hear any horns, squealing brakes, or other signs of possible danger around you.
• Never assume that cars will stop for you, especially if you see a driver on the phone or looking otherwise distracted.
• Don't drink and walk, since you need to be sober to be sufficiently aware of your surroundings on the road.

Steve Roberts is the managing attorney at the Law Office of Steve Roberts, LLC and specializes in Pedestrian Accidents in Colorado. His website can be found here – http://www.coloradorobertslaw.com/types-of-cases/pedestrian-accidents