Pedestrian Crosswalk Rules: Better Safe Than Sorry

Recently, there have been a lot of accidents on the roads, and surprisingly, most accidents happen on crosswalks where no accidents should occur at all. That means most people have no idea what rules they should be following when it comes to crosswalks. With the amount of crosswalk accidents that are occurring, it would be smart to have a personal injury law firm to contact if such a need arises.

It is no surprise to find a young man crossing the road while sending a text message or while listening to music. Others just run in front of a car without considering that the driver may not have enough time to stop. The small mistakes happening on the road are the leading causes of accidents. With that being said, let’s look at the rules for using a crosswalk as well as the possible legal predicaments involved.

Cross – Walk Rules

For Pedestrians

Do not run in front of a car

This rule may seem obvious, but many people don’t look before crossing busy roads. Pedestrians are supposed to have the right of way in crosswalks, but to avoid critical injury you should always proceed with extra caution when crossing. You have no idea how long it will take the vehicle to stop or if the driver is paying attention. When crossing the road, make sure you pay attention to all of your surroundings.

Give the driver the right of way where there are no crosswalks

Where there are no crosswalks, the driver may have no idea that you are trying to pass over. This is a precarious place to cross, especially if you do not alert the driver that you want to cross. If there isn’t controlled traffic where a policeman is guiding you or if there are no visible crosswalks, avoid passing in such places. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

If there has been an accident and you feel that you had the right of way, you can always sue the driver through a personal injury law firm where there are top personal injury lawyers to listen and guide you on what to do to get compensated.

Try to make eye contact with the driver when crossing in an uncontrolled crosswalk

Ensure that the driver sees you before you go running into the street. To be confident that he or she has seen you, try and make eye contact so that you can be sure you are safe when crossing the street.

When it’s dark, it is best that you wear a bright cloth which is visible to the drivers when you are in a crosswalk.

When lights control the traffic;

• Only cross when the lights are green or when there is a ‘walk’ signal, and stop when it is red.
• Only cross when traffic has come to a complete stop.
• When the lights start flashing or when they turn yellow, do not start crossing. However, if you had already started crossing, you should proceed.

As for parents, teach your kids how to cross the road. Let them know how to use traffic lights as well as where to walk while in the streets.

For drivers

As for drivers, the rules revolve around allowing pedestrians to cross safely. However, there are times when an accident may occur and you are not in the wrong. In such cases, it is best that you get an auto accident attorney to defend you to avoid paying unreasonable claims. Whichever the case, you should always follow the following rules:

• Where there is a crosswalk, always give pedestrians the right of way.
• Look out for children or the elderly crossing. And especially, drive slowly when you are around a school, residential area or anywhere kids could be playing.
• Be careful where there are community safety zone signs to avoid knocking down pedestrians.

Here is a glimpse of the different kinds of crosswalks you are likely to find in the streets.

Controlled Crosswalks

This is one which is either controlled by traffic lights or one that is controlled by traffic police. In such places, you only need to use the lights or follow what the policeman is signaling you to do to be safe.

Uncontrolled Crosswalks

With this kind of crosswalk, you have to be very careful when crossing because the vehicles are not necessarily forced to stop. Only a driver who is caring will allow you to pass.

Marked Crosswalks

They are simply iconic white stripes marked with white paint to help you identify them.

Unmarked Crosswalks

Unlike the marked type, these are implied crosswalks that legally exist but are not marked with any paint.

So, what happens when you get involved in a crosswalk related car accident?  You can always find a personal injury lawyer like Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P., Accident & Injury Lawyers to defend you in a court of law. If you are the driver and an accident has occurred, make sure you get a lawyer who can defend you efficiently. If you need any advice on legal matters concerning crosswalk rules or if you are in the middle of a legal crisis and need our help, please contact us today!