Pennsylvania pedestrian laws are to be obeyed by motor vehicle drivers and pedestrians alike. Adhering to these PA rules of the road could prevent a pedestrian from being seriously or fatally injured. Of course, in the event of a pedestrian accident in PA, accident lawyers in can help victims recover fair compensation for their damages.
Crossing Roads and Streets under Pennsylvania’s Pedestrian Laws
It is much safer for pedestrians to use crosswalks when crossing a road or street. Crossing in the middle of a street poses a risk of getting struck. Additionally, according to Pennsylvania pedestrian laws, pedestrians are required to yield the right-of-way to vehicles when crossing in the middle of the road.
When a pedestrian is at an intersection, he/she has the right of way according to the PA rules of the road, whether using a marked or unmarked crosswalk. At the same time, the person cannot walk or run into the street without warning.
If crossing a road where there is an overhead crossing or pedestrian tunnel available and the pedestrian doesn’t use it, he/she must yield to other vehicles. However, there are areas that should never be crossed. One is crossing an intersection diagonally.
The other is when walking in an urban district. The only place a pedestrian can cross is in a marked crosswalk between intersections where there are working traffic signals.
Use of Sidewalks under the PA Rules of the Road
If there is a sidewalk available for walking, Pennsylvania pedestrian laws require the pedestrian to use it rather than traveling in the roadway. If a pedestrian is using a sidewalk that is also shared by vehicles (such as a parking lot entrance or alley), he/she has the right-of-way.
If there isn’t a sidewalk, pedestrians must walk as far as they can from the edge of the road on the shoulder. When there is neither a sidewalk nor shoulder, the individual should walk as close as he/she can to the outside edge of the roadway. But the person must walk on the left side if it is a two-way road.
Other Safety Tips For Pedestrians
Obeying Pennsylvania pedestrian laws can significantly reduce the chance of being struck by a vehicle. But there are other ways that walking can be made safer. For instance, even when a pedestrian has the right-of-way—such as a green light—it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe to cross. It’s best to look left, right and left again before leaving the curb.
The same is true with being in a crosswalk. Not all drivers will stop. They may not see the person crossing or they could turn into the path of the person walking. Be aware of any vehicles nearby or approaching.
Looking before crossing is important but it’s just as critical that a pedestrian can hear. Wearing earbuds or headphones can prevent someone from hearing a car horn. Such behaviors may increase the pedestrian’s liability for the accident and may be addressed by a PA accident lawyer.
Get Help From A PA Accident Lawyer
Yet if despite these efforts a pedestrian is injured while obeying the PA rules of the road and Pennsylvania pedestrian laws, a PA accident lawyer can help victims of accidents file an injury claim.
