California has installed crosswalks to protect pedestrians and those on foot always have the right-of-way. Drivers must be prepared to slow down or stop at a crosswalk and yield to anyone in or entering a crosswalk.
There are plenty of places in every city where people traveling on foot need to cross a street to get where they’re headed. Crosswalks are in place to allow them the safest path possible when having to confront the rush of traffic.
Though improved safety designs and the addition of more crosswalks can better protect pedestrians, walkers are still at extreme risk of accidents and injuries as they travel. An impact that might result in a minor-fender-bender for two cars can leave defenseless pedestrians severely hurt and at risk of losing their lives.
California Crosswalk Guidelines
Crosswalks can be marked or unmarked. They may be indicated with white lines or no markings at all. Some crosswalks are in the middle of the block. Some crosswalks are accompanied by flashing lights, but pedestrians have the right of way, no matter if lights are flashing or not. Yellow crosswalk lines may be painted at school crossings. No matter the situation, always slow down and yield the right-of-way when you observe people traveling on foot.
California’s DMV Drivers Handbook lays out other safety guidelines that govern crosswalks. Motorists required to stop because of a sign or signal, must stop before the stop line, crosswalk, stop sign, or signal. When approaching a crosswalk, drivers are required to exercise caution and slow down and be prepared to stop to safeguard any pedestrian who may be crossing.
Motorists must also show pedestrians a special “duty of care” no matter where they encounter them. This “duty of care” also applies outside of crosswalks. Even when pedestrians are crossing the street in a place they shouldn’t be, drivers are still liable for their safety.
This required caution is due to the unprotected nature of the human body when compared to drivers and passengers protected by the metal and safety devices of a vehicle. Pedestrians are also required to follow traffic laws, but they enjoy legal protections even when they aren’t crossing lawfully.
Other Guidelines to Keep Pedestrians Safe
There are other guidelines that drivers can follow to protect anyone on foot, on a skateboard, on roller skates, or in a wheelchair utilizing a crosswalk.
- Do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk. An unseen pedestrian may be crossing the street.
- Do not stop in a crosswalk. The vehicle may force pedestrians into the path of other vehicles. Try to stop at least five feet from the crosswalk or stop line.
- When a pedestrian makes eye contact with you it means they are ready to cross the street.
- Allow extra time for pedestrians to cross the street. An older walker, a disabled pedestrian, or someone traveling with young children may need longer to cross.
- Show extra care to blind pedestrians. The drivers of electric or hybrid vehicles must be aware that blind walkers are reliant on engine noise to monitor traffic. Show extra caution when observing a blind pedestrian. When a blind walker pulls in their cane and steps away from an intersection they are usually signaling for you to proceed.
Support for California Pedestrian Accident Victims
If you or a loved one are hurt in an accident caused by a careless driver, you need to ensure the driver’s insurance provider is held accountable. You should never have to pay for your own medical care or the care of a family member when someone else is to blame.
Insurance companies aren’t required to inform you of every benefit available to you and your family after a pedestrian accident. Talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer familiar with all California traffic laws about your case in a free consultation before deciding on your next move
