In motor vehicle collisions on the road in 2020, there were more than 7,000 pedestrian fatalities. This costs the lives of people who are not always driving cars and trucks. Some of these pedestrians could be you or someone you know, so you must learn the rules of the road as a pedestrian.
Have you always wondered why motorists have to yield to pedestrians? Drivers should be pre-warned about pedestrians so they don’t cause a traffic accident.
Pedestrians should know which traffic signals favor them to cross the street. Keep reading to learn more about the right of way.
Understanding the Basic Responsibilities of Drivers
Pedestrians always have the right of way, and drivers must yield to pedestrians. They are the most vulnerable people on the road and have little protection from cars.
Drivers must decelerate or come to a complete stop when a pedestrian is crossing the road. They must obey them at intersections with crosswalks and crossings. They must yield to all pedestrians within marked and unmarked crosswalks.
It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that the area around any pedestrian is safe, so they can cross the street without danger. Yielding to them also sets an example for future generations and extends courtesy to those who have the right of way in traffic.
Analyzing a Pedestrian’s Responsibility to Follow Rules
Pedestrians have the right of way to help ensure their safety as they move around on public roadways and other public areas. They need to remember that this right comes with a corresponding responsibility to obey pedestrian laws.
By following these rules, the environment is safer for everyone, including pedestrians themselves. This includes using sidewalks, crosswalks, and other safe crossings when entering a roadway.
Recognizing the Consequences of Failing to Yield the Rights of Pedestrians
Without providing priority to pedestrians, they would be in constant fear of being hit by oncoming vehicles. Without proper pedestrian rights, people may be forced to risk their lives to cross the street. A pedestrian accident can result in catastrophic injuries and death, thus posing a serious and unacceptable risk to public safety.
Failing to yield to a pedestrian can result in serious consequences, such as pedestrian injury or even death. If you or someone you love has been involved in a pedestrian accident, you should call this pedestrian accident attorney to help you determine your rights and seek compensation. Taking the time to look both ways, yield to pedestrians, and drive cautiously can make a difference in avoiding these dangerous situations.
When Pedestrians Do Not Have the Right of Way
Pedestrians may always cross streets in legal, designated crosswalks. When pedestrians do not have the right of way, they are crossing against a traffic control device, like a stoplight, or they are crossing outside of a permitted crosswalk in a busy intersection.
In these cases, drivers must exercise vigilance to avoid striking pedestrians who do not have the right of way. Pedestrians always have the right of way in many situations, but when they do not, drivers must be prepared and vigilant to ensure the safety of all on the road.
Bottom Line
Pedestrians have the right of way for one main reason: safety. It is important to always be aware and considerate of pedestrians when driving.
Always give pedestrians the right of way to help keep everyone safe on the roads. Be sure to check your local laws on pedestrian rights of way.
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