What Is the Risk of Pedestrian Accidents along Crosswalks?
Ultimately, every time you make the decision to walk rather than drive through the city or a suburban area, you are putting yourself at risk for a pedestrian accident. Still, you might be asking, what is the specific risk you will face when you wander from one sidewalk to the next? Obviously, cities have designed these specialized pathways for the safety of the walking resident and, of course, to warn the driver of potential foot traffic. However, when an accident does happen, it is usually the result of driver negligence.
Remember, even in cases where a pedestrian was not adhering to the rules of the crosswalk and wandering across an unmarked area of the road, drivers must still provide the right of way. Let’s take a closer look at the risks pedestrian face in crosswalks.
Dangers of the Crosswalk
According to a 2016 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 5,987 U.S. citizens died in pedestrian accidents triggered by traffic crashes across the country. In essence, the number is equivalent to a rate of one fatal pedestrian accident every 90 minutes. In fact, the CDC has determined that pedestrians are about 1.5 times more likely to die in a traffic crash than front-seat passengers. In nearly 48% of these crashes, either driver or the pedestrian had consumed alcohol prior to the event.
Rules for Pedestrian Traffic along Crosswalks
As outlined on the New York Department of Transportation’s site, Code 1151 provides the following rules for drivers and pedestrians concerning “right of way” on crosswalks:
- Even if traffic signs are not working, drivers must provide the right of way to pedestrians.
- Pedestrians cannot leave a curb or sidewalk and dart into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
- Another vehicle may not overpass a stalled vehicle and pass over a crosswalk.
While preparing to cross the street, pedestrians must adhere obey all established traffic signals for their safety, and, in the event that a crosswalk has not been set up, these people must yield to oncoming traffic.
For more information about bicyclist and pedestrian safety, refer to the Department of Transportation’s official page concerning these rules.
A Closer Look at Crosswalk Signals
According to rules set up by the State of New York, typical pedestrian crosswalk signals will constitute flashing WALK and DON’T’ WALK signs (or relevant symbols representing a person walking and a raised hand). Here is a closer look at the meaning of these signals:
- WALK: The pedestrian may enter the crosswalk and cross the street.
- DON’T WALK: The pedestrian may not enter the crosswalk, or risk walking into oncoming traffic.
- Continuous DON’T WALK: By no means can the pedestrian venture across this roadway.
Personal Injury Lawyer in New York
If you or a loved one has suffered from an inconvenient and/or debilitating injury that was caused by a distracted driver who sped through a crosswalk while signals indicated you and your loved one could cross, you will no doubt feel terrified and potentially very angry. At the same time, though, you will be concerned about what steps you can take next. Although it might be difficult, you must stay calm. With the help of an attorney who is experienced with personal injury cases, you can gather viable resources to create a strong case in court.
We at Gattuso & Ciotoli have more than 50 years of combined legal experience and deliver some of the most high-quality legal services to victims of injuries in New York State. We value your perspective on your case and your goals for the future and ready to help you receive the justice you deserve.
We operate from our office in Syracuse, New York and also have offices in the cities of Central New York, Syracuse, Watertown, Binghamton, Syracuse, North Syracuse, Camillus, Liverpool, Cortland, Auburn. For more information on our four practice areas and your case, contact us at (315) 314-8000 today.