Sharing the Road Responsibly
PEDESTRIAN RESPONSABILITIES
Pedestrians do have the right of way while crossing in a marked crosswalk or where one would normally be located. Sounds simple, but it's not. As a pedestrian, you have a few more responsibilities than the operator of motor vehicles do. Knowing them keeps everyone safer and makes the pedestrian transaction with drivers go much more smoothly.
YOU CAN'T ENTER THE ROADWAY UNLESS IT'S SAFE FOR YOU TO DO SO.
Don't just step into the street and expect cars can stop for you. Drivers must observe, react and get the vehicle stopped. an average size vehicle traveling at 35 mph on dry pavement will take a minimum of 135' to stop. Most of the single property frontages are about 50' for reference.
CROSS WITHIN CROSSWALKS OR WHERE A CROSSWALK WOULD NORMALLY BE LOCATED.
Here is the main reason: if you're not in the crosswalk, YOU DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY and MUST YIELD TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC.
IF YOU'RE AT A CONTROLLED INTERSECTION (TRAFFIC LIGHT OR PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALK).
You must cross on the green ONLY (Light or Hand if present). You don't have the right of way otherwise. Please don't walk into the intersection if the light is red hoping someone won't know the law and stops for you on a green. Both you and the driver can be fined.
MOTORIST RESPONSABILITIES
Motorists, your job is clear and a bit less complicated. Stop safely and wait for pedestrians to cross the roadway. That doesn't mean swerving around them because they're close enough. Picture your car as a barrier, keeping someone else's family safe as they cross. Much the same way you would like your family protected when they do.
More Information to come on Bicycles, Low-Speed Vehicles, and Other Things.