Many Americans incorporate walking as part of their commute. This healthy decision, however, does not come without risks. Though pedestrian fatalities have decreased nationwide since 1993, over 4,000 still occur every year. In 2008, 137 pedestrians lost their lives in Pennsylvania alone, accounting for 9.3 percent of the state's total traffic fatalities. Nationally, pedestrians represent 12 percent of all traffic fatalities but only 10.9 percent of all traffic trips, so pedestrians bear a disproportionate number of fatalities than the rest of road users.
Since pedestrian accident fatalities continue to plague Pennsylvanians, it is important to understand what steps can take to stay safer on the road and the laws that govern and protect pedestrians in the Keystone State.
How to Stay Safe
First and foremost, stay visible and alert. Always wear light or reflective clothing, use lights when it is dark out and choose routes that are well-lit and free from obstacles that would block a driver's view of the sidewalk or shoulder. Refrain from using a cell phone or other electronic devices while crossing roads and never assume a vehicle is going to stop just because a designated crosswalk is present.
Drivers should also stay alert and look around for pedestrians at intersections. This is especially important when turning right, since bikers and children could be present behind a vehicle and hit by a less observant driver.
Pennsylvania Pedestrian Law
Pennsylvania has several laws designed to protect pedestrians and govern their actions. The law states that pedestrians must follow all "traffic control devices," traffic signals and police officers who are directing traffic. Pedestrians must use sidewalks if they are available; otherwise, they are to walk on the shoulder of the road as far as possible from traffic. Pedestrians must also yield to emergency vehicles, moveable bridges and railroad barriers.
Several pedestrian laws address driver behavior. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and never overtake a vehicle stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk. Pedestrians have right-of-way when crossing alleys and driveways that intersect with sidewalks.
Another set of rules govern how pedestrians cross roadways. If a crosswalk is present, the state encourages pedestrians to use it. Pedestrians only have the right-of-way if they cross at a designated crosswalk; otherwise, pedestrians must yield to vehicles before crossing a road. In urban areas, it is illegal to cross anywhere but at a crosswalk. Diagonal crossing is illegal everywhere.
Though pedestrians are disproportionately represented in car accident fatality statistics, if they follow some basic safety tips and obey Pennsylvania law, and drivers stay alert for the presence of pedestrians at intersections, pedestrians can stay safe while walking the roads.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to explore your legal options.
