FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. -- Fort HuachucaAca,!a,,cs Directorate of Emergency Services personnel ask motorists who are driving on post to be more observant of their surroundings: Soldiers, pedestrians and speed limit signs.
Aca,!A"Even if a driver has the right of way, itAca,!a,,cs still important to be safe and defensive,Aca,!A? explains Capt. Shawn Fitzgerald, commander, 18th Military Police Detachment, adding, Aca,!A"that means being on the lookout for potential road hazards, such as pedestrians [and] children.Aca,!A?
According to Arizona Revised Statute 28-792, Aca,!A"if traffic control signals are not in place or are not in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way.Aca,!A?
Aca,!A"YieldingAca,!A? is classified as slowing down, or stopping if need be, if a pedestrian is crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is on the half of the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.
Also according to the statute, Aca,!A"a pedestrian shall not suddenly leave any curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.Aca,!A?
The fine for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk is $95 plus a $25 processing fee and comes with 4 points on the license, notes Staff Sgt. Stephen Moody, noncommissioned officer in charge, DES Traffic Accident Investigation.
Moody also stresses the importance of motorists keeping in mind that if a vehicle is stopped at a marked or unmarked crosswalkAca,!a,,cs intersection and is permitting a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of another vehicle approaching from the rear should not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle.
Motorists are also asked to keep in mind that certain circumstances have established speed limitations, for instance, when approaching or passing a column of troops on post, a motorist should travel no more than 10 mph.
Particular areas on post also have certain speed limitations Aca,!" unless otherwise posted Aca,!" such as 20 mph in administrative and housing areas, 25 mph on open highways and roads, 10 mph on service drives and parking areas, and 15 mph, when posted, in school zones.
Moody says itAca,!a,,cs important to follow these speed limits, particularly in the housing area and school zones, because children are not always aware of their surroundings or look both ways when crossing a street.
Aca,!A"What individuals coming to Arizona do not realize is in most states the school zone is only active when children are going and coming from school but in Arizona the school zone is active the whole school day,Aca,!A? Moody notes.
Motorists are also asked to pay close attention to the speed limits on post because there are areas that the limitations change quickly.
Those driving 1 to 10 mph over posted speed limit receive 3 points on their license, those driving 11 to 15 mph over posted speed limit receive 4 points, and anyone over 15 but not more than 20 mph over posted speed limit will receive 5 points on their license.
Moody reminds motorists the fine for speeding anywhere on Fort Huachuca is $14 per mile over the posted speed limit with a $25 processing fee added on.
Aca,!A"So the fine for someone doing 10 mph over the posted speed limit would be $140 plus $25, equals $165,Aca,!A? Moody explains.
Aca,!A"ItAca,!a,,cs always better to be safe, even if you have the right of way according to the letter of the law,Aca,!A? Fitzgerald notes, adding, Aca,!A"nobody wants to hit a pedestrian.Aca,!A?
Social Sharing