Auto/ Pedestrian – Who has the right of way?


Unless the walk light is illuminated, the driver has the right of way at intersections which are controlled by signals.
However, if there is a pedestrian already in the crosswalk when the driver is beginning to proceed through the intersection, the driver must stop and yield to the pedestrian.
Drivers turning right on red must yield to pedestrians.
Too often, drivers make a quick right turn or a rolling stop without checking for pedestrians who are beginning to cross with the walk light. Drivers turning right should always stop and look for
pedestrians on the corners waiting to cross. Those pedestrians with the walk light have the right of way.
Drivers turning left on a flashing yellow light must also yield to pedestrians crossing with an illuminated walk light.
Drivers may be turning left across crosswalks when pedestrians have the “walk” light and therefore the right of way. This is particularly dangerous because the driver attempting to turn left is
looking ahead for a break in the traffic and often proceeds quickly through the intersection.
Pedestrians should be looking for drivers making left hand turns and drivers making a left hand turn
on yield should watch not only for vehicles, but also for pedestrians crossing the intersection.

If you or
a family member has suffered an auto-pedestrian injury,
contact Wham & Rogers for a free consultation.


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