Crosswalks are set aside for safe pedestrian travel. They may be marked with white lines and traffic lights, but they can also be unmarked. Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks but are also required to follow all traffic laws to protect themselves.
Crosswalks in California
Crosswalks in California can appear in many different forms. They can be marked with heavy white lines and flashing lights. They may be unmarked, but crosswalks should be expected wherever sidewalks intersect with an intersection.
Pedestrians always have the right of way when they are in crosswalks, even if it isn’t their turn to cross. A crosswalk can be in the middle of the block and drivers must still yield to pedestrians who may be stuck there trying to cross.
Keep an eye on pedestrians at a crosswalk you are approaching. If they make eye contact with you that generally means they are ready to cross. You should slow down or stop if necessary.
According to the California DMV Driver Handbook, these are a few other things motorists must observe:
- When required to stop at a crosswalk, drivers must stop before the stop line, crosswalk, stop sign, or signal. If there is a stop line before the crosswalk, obey the stop line.
- Yield to any pedestrian in or entering a crosswalk no matter if lights are flashing or if your light is green.
- When approaching a crosswalk, motorists must exercise caution and reduce speed in case there are pedestrians nearby.
- Do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk. They may be stopped to let a pedestrian you can’t see cross the street.
- Do not stop in a crosswalk. You can force pedestrians to go around you and get closer to the flow of traffic.
- Remember to yield to all pedestrians if you must drive on a sidewalk to enter a driveway, parking lot, or alley.
- Crosswalks around schools zones are often marked with yellow lines. Use extreme caution in school zones and watch for smaller and hard-to-see pedestrians and cyclists. Observe the school zone speed limit.
Contact a California Pedestrian Accident Lawyer After an Accident
If a careless driver neglects your safety while you are a pedestrian and leaves you with a serious injury, contact a California Pedestrian Accident Attorney. Insurance companies won’t be informing you of all the benefits available to you and your family members.
Martin Gasparian, the founder of Maison Law, makes sure families know the rights they have as victims. He also fights for the maximum compensation available after a serious accident. Contact Maison Law for a free, no-obligation case consultation.
