The warm weather marks the start of walking season
With the start of Spring, Pedestrians become more prevalent in local neighborhoods. I have a few concerns but first let’s look at the laws governing both pedestrians and motorists pertaining to pedestrians. When do pedestrians have the right of way?
General rule: Vehicles shall yield to pedestrians in crosswalks!!
Do not pass another vehicle stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk!!
Pedestrians crossing at other than crosswalks shall yield the right of way to vehicles.
When walking along a roadway without a sidewalk, the pedestrian shall walk on shoulder or berm. If no shoulder or berm present, pedestrians shall walk on outside edge of roadway on the left side of the roadway.
Safety tips:
1. When walking wear clothing that contrasts the environment; for example at night in a rural area wear light possibly reflective clothing, during winter when everything is snow colored wear dark clothing.
2. When walking with a friend and a vehicle is approaching, stay to the left side of the road and stay together. Do not split and go to opposite sides. You will divide the attention of the driver and risk being hit.
3. Always remember even a small car is bigger than you. If the car strikes you , it will cause serious if not fatal injuries.
4. Drivers always use exteme caution in areas where pedestrians are frequently seen. Especially in school zones and children play areas.
My concerns and experiences:
When you can see a car then does the driver see you?. Absolutely not!!! Just because you see the car and possibly the driver, does not mean he can see you. Usually a driver is looking for other cars and larger hazards and does not see the pedestrian until he strikes them. The pedestrian blends into the foliage and is moves at a relatively slow pace. Consider the driver adjusting his radio, mp3 player, texting on a cell phone or just having a conversation with a passenger without alcohol or drugs involved, there is a good chance the vehicle is going to strike you.
In most pedestrian crashes the skidmarks on the road are produced after striking the pedestrian, especially at night. By the time a pedestrian is observed and identified as a pedestrian the impact already occurred, thus the reason for walking on the left side of the roadway. In many cases the driver does not know what he hit until he gets out of his vehicle.
Always remember if a ball rolls onto the road a small child may follow!! Once you hit the child it’s too late. An ounce of caution may prevent a lifetime of heartache for you and the child’s parents.