Drivers need to recognize the special safety needs of pedestrians, especially those that are children. Young, elderly, disabled and intoxicated pedestrians are the most frequent victims in auto-pedestrian collisions.
Generally, pedestrians have the right-of-way at all intersections; however, regardless of the rules of the road or right-of-way, drivers are obligated to exercise great care and extreme caution to avoid striking pedestrians.
What can drivers do to safely share the road with pedestrians?
• Do not become distracted. People can encounter pedestrians anytime and they should look out for pedestrians anywhere. Pedestrians can be very hard to see -- especially in bad weather or at night.
• When entering a crosswalk area, drive slowly and be prepared to stop. Don't block the "Respect Crosswalks" crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn. Stop for pedestrians who are in a crosswalk.
• Children are the least predictable pedestrians and the most difficult to see. Take precautions and always watch for children. Take extra care to look out for children not only in school zones, but also in residential areas, playgrounds and parks.
• Where a warning flasher or flashers are blinking, drivers must stop to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a marked crosswalk or at an intersection with no marked crosswalk. Be extra cautious in school zones. Always stop when directed to do so by a school crossing guard.
What can a pedestrian do to prevent pedestrian accidents?
• Stay on the sidewalk when available and use crosswalks. Avoid walking in traffic where there are no sidewalks or crosswalks. Walk on the sidewalk. If you have to walk on a road that does not have sidewalks, walk facing traffic.
• Be prepared for the unexpected. Do not be surprised even if a motorist does something wrong like running a stop sign or red light, or making a sudden turn. Walk defensively.
• Look in all directions before entering the street. Cross streets at intersections whenever possible. Be especially alert to a vehicle that may be turning right on a red signal. If there are marked crosswalks, use them but do not assume that it is completely safe in a marked crosswalk. Make sure to always look in both directions and ensure the intersection is clear or the vehicles are stopping.
• Pedestrians are supposed to have the right-of-way in parking lots but many drivers do not wait for pedestrians. Be careful in parking lots. Parking lots can be more hazardous than streets. On streets the direction of traffic is usually known but in parking lots vehicles might be moving in all directions, including backwards.
• Any movement a pedestrian makes that drivers are not expecting could be dangerous. Avoid dangerous moves. When leaving a school bus, wait a second before crossing. Do not step into traffic from between parked cars since this is a sure way of surprising drivers.
• A pedestrian needs to be able to see vehicles around them. Keep your view of traffic clear at all times. Don't block views with packages, umbrellas or other objects.
Drivers should keep their mind on driving and the traffic around them -- including pedestrian traffic. Pedestrians, remember to make eye contact with drivers to ensure they are seen. Crossing safely is up to both driver and pedestrian.
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