Pedestrian laws protect the most vulnerable people on the road from accidents and injuries. They regulate places where pedestrian and vehicle traffic intersect, providing rules for each party to prevent collisions. Obeying pedestrian laws is critical for preventing serious and fatal bodily injuries. Understanding pedestrian rights and responsibilities in Idaho can help you safely share the road.
Idaho’s Rights-of-Way Laws for Pedestrians
A right-of-way is a road user’s right to proceed based on the traffic laws that apply to the situation. At a four-way stop sign, for example, the first vehicle to approach the intersection has the right to proceed. Pedestrian rights of way are important laws that can prevent accidents. They determine if and when a pedestrian has the right to cross a street. All motor vehicle drivers in Idaho must recognize and respect pedestrian rights-of-way. Idaho Statutes Section 49-702 explains these rights.
- In crosswalks that do not have traffic control signals, a pedestrian always has the right-of-way to cross. All drivers must yield the right-of-way by slowing down or stopping the vehicle for a pedestrian who is within the crosswalk.
- In crosswalks and intersections with traffic control signals, pedestrians must obey these devices. They may only cross when traffic control signals permit.
- Pedestrians should only cross the road at intersections or crosswalks. Crossing the street between two adjacent intersections at a place other than a crosswalk (jaywalking) is against the law in Idaho.
While it is a pedestrian’s responsibility to obey these laws, it is a driver’s duty to respect pedestrian rights-of-way when given. Unfortunately, many drivers ignore pedestrian rights and proceed when they should yield. Others drive distracted and do not pay enough attention to pedestrian traffic to notice people crossing. These mistakes and acts of negligence can lead to pedestrian accidents.
Pedestrian Responsibilities: Practice Smart Pedestrian Safety
Although motor vehicle drivers wield the power in pedestrian-vehicle collisions, taking safety into your own hands as a pedestrian in Idaho could help keep you safe. You cannot count on drivers to obey the law, yield the right-of-way or pay attention to the road. Instead, expect drivers to break the law and put you in danger. Understanding your responsibilities while walking or jogging in Idaho can reduce your risk of a collision.
- Pedestrians must use sidewalks or pedestrian paths when available. If they have no choice but to walk in the road, pedestrians must walk as close to the right-hand shoulder as possible.
- Pedestrians must cross the road quickly and efficiently at right angles to the curb or using the shortest routes, except where otherwise indicated by traffic control devices.
- No pedestrian may step off a curb in Idaho to cross the road when an oncoming vehicle is approaching quickly and closely enough to constitute a hazard.
Always stop at the curb and look both ways before crossing a street in Idaho, even if you know you have the right-of-way to cross. A driver may not be paying attention to the road or may break a law and run a red light. Stay visible by only walking during the day and wearing bright colors. Keep your actions predictable for drivers by obeying all traffic laws that apply to you.
Contact an Idaho Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If a driver crashes into you as a pedestrian in Idaho, the driver may owe you financial compensation. If the driver caused the collision through negligence such as distracted driving or failing to yield the right-of-way, he or she will be liable for your injuries and related losses. These can include medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost income. Discuss your legal options with a Meridian auto accident lawyer today for more information. Our Idaho personal injury lawyers can help you pursue maximum compensation for a serious injury.
