Pedestrian Safety

A driver should always pay special attention to pedestrians (persons on foot). However, there are certain safety rules pedestrians should follow. In 2018 pedestrian fatalities totaled 621 (17%) out of a total of 3,639 fatalities that was almost 1% increase from the previous year.

Generally pedestrians must obey traffic control signals and/or pedestrian control signals, however, you as a driver must always yield to pedestrians.

Pedestrian Safety Laws

Crosswalks can be marked or unmarked. When marked they are designated by white painted lines.

• If you see a pedestrian crossing or attempting to cross the street, slow down, use your horn if necessary, and be prepared to stop.
• Be alert to a pedestrian guided by an assistance animal or carrying a white cane. The white cane indicates the person may be blind, partially blind, or disabled. A driver shall take the necessary precautions to avoid injuring or endangering a pedestrian crossing or attempting to cross the street. The driver shall bring the vehicle to a full stop if injury or danger can only be avoided by that action.
• Watch for individuals who are blind at bus stops, intersections, business areas, and near schools for the blind.

Pedestrian Signs and Signals - Walk and Don’t Walk signals

These signals are on many intersections where there is a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Pedestrians must obey these signals and if they are already on the street and “Don’t Walk” signal is flashing they must hurry to quickly cross the street. You as a driver should be very alert to pedestrian traffic on the side of the road. Construction sites, crosswalks, schools, playgrounds and parking lots are where pedestrians are present and may appear all of a sudden. When elderly are present, be patient and give them enough time. Before moving through the intersection make sure all pedestrians have crossed the street.