Mumford & Sons 1We walk everywhere we can even in winter. And I don’t need to tell you that walking in Rochester in winter can be an adventure. Not only do you have to worry about slipping on ice and wearing the appropriate clothing to stay warm, but you have to pay even more attention to drivers on the road than usual. Most drivers don’t expect to see people out walking in the snow. But we’re out there.

We hear all the time that it is the law to stop for pedestrians. And both pedestrians and drivers have a responsibility to pay attention, be responsible and not be jackasses. But I decided to look up the specifics about the laws around vehicle and pedestrian safety for NY.

This is pulled directly from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee website:

Pedestrians in Crosswalks:
“When there is no traffic control signal, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, particularly if a pedestrian is in a crosswalk, or there is potential danger to the pedestrian [Section 1151, NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law].

In addition, every driver approaching an intersection or crosswalk must yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian accompanied by a guide dog or a cane [Section 1153-c, NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law].”

What if there isn’t a crosswalk nearby & a pedestrian needs to cross?
“If there isn’t a crosswalk, sign or signal at mid-block locations, a pedestrian must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles on the roadway [Section 1152, NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law].”

What about pedestrians on sidewalks and turning vehicles?
“The driver of a vehicle, when entering or exiting from an alleyway, building, private road or driveway must yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian on a sidewalk [Section 1151-a, NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law].

Pedestrians are required to use sidewalks where they are provided and safe to use. When sidewalks are not provided, a pedestrian is required to walk on the left side of the roadway facing traffic [Section 1156-b, NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law].”

Pedestrian Responsibilities:
“Pedestrians must obey traffic control signals, signs and pavement markings when they are crossing a street [Section 1150, NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law].

Pedestrians are not allowed on expressways or interstate highways.”

So drivers have responsibilities, but people on foot can’t run around willy-nilly either. Here are the pedestrian “Rules of the Road” according to the NY Traffic Safety Commission:

  • “Pedestrians are to use sidewalks whenever they are safely available. When sidewalks are unavailable, pedestrians must walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
  • Pedestrians must obey traffic signals and/or traffic officers.
  • At crosswalks where there isn’t a traffic control signal or officer, pedestrians have the right-of-way.
  • If there aren’t any crosswalks, signs or signals, the pedestrian must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles.
  • Regardless of the right-of-way, the driver is required by law to take great care to avoid “hitting” pedestrians.
gravatar

Written by: Renee
Tags: , , , , , , , ,