WHO HAS THE RIGHT OF WAY?

Safe Kids Columbus reminds community to stop for pedestrians

In Columbus, 117 children fourteen and under, were injured by being hit by a vehicle. Three child pedestrians died when a vehicle struck them. Safe Kids Columbus reminds the community to watch for child pedestrians and to watch for the new Walk Route signs. Safe Kids Columbus and program Sponsor FedEx Express worked with the Traffic Engineering Division to place Walk Route signs in the neighborhoods around St. Mary’s Road Elementary, Dawson Elementary and Dimon Elementary. These Walk Routes warn drivers that children may be walking nearby.

“Motorists rarely look for people on foot,” says Jacquetta Jackson, Program Associate for Safe Kids Columbus. “When they do see pedestrians, drivers often assume they will stay out of their way,” says Jackson. So, who has the right of way? Here a few helpful tips that will keep our community on foot safe.
Motorists' Responsibilities
*According to Georgia law, when a pedestrian shows an intention to cross the street by stepping off the curb, motorists must stop and stay stopped to allow the pedestrian to cross.
Intersections Without Signals
*The crosswalk law revision by the Georgia Legislature of 1995 states that drivers approaching crosswalks with pedestrians in them must stop and stay stopped, not just yield to them.
*At crosswalks without signals, pedestrians always have the right of way.
Intersections With Signals
*Drivers turning right or left on green must stop and stay stopped for pedestrians. Before turning left, watch for pedestrians as well as oncoming traffic.
*Before turning right on red, look to your passenger side. Someone could be walking in front of your car.
*The flashing "Don't Walk" light provides a clearance time for pedestrians; it does not give drivers the right of way.
Respect Crosswalks
*Know where the crosswalks are. Crosswalks exist on all four corners of most intersections in *Georgia, whether or not they are marked by painted lines.
*Do not stop in the crosswalk. Instead, stop behind the stop bar so that pedestrians can cross the street safely.
*When approaching a car in another lane that has stopped at a crosswalk, stop. A pedestrian is probably crossing the street in front of that car.
Sidewalks Are For Walking
*Before pulling out of a driveway, parking lot or garage, stop behind the sidewalk and check for pedestrians who might be using the sidewalk.
*When stopping, standing or parking a vehicle, stay off of sidewalks and avoid blocking the sidewalk area of driveways.
You're a Pedestrian, Too!
*A little courtesy goes a long way. Remember what it's like to be on foot, and how much you appreciate it when a motorist stops for you.
Walk Facing Traffic
*Walking in the roadway is legal, but a pedestrian must yield to all vehicles. Walk facing traffic, so you can see oncoming cars and bicycles.
Wear Light-Colored Clothing
*At night, wear light-colored clothing, carry a flashlight, or wear high-visibility reflective materials to help motorists see you.

 

Phone: (706) 321-6183 | Fax: (706) 321 6326 | Email: info@safekidscolumbus.com