Pedestrian Safety in King County
Posted Saturday, June 3, 2017 by Chris Thayer
A recent study found that pedestrians who take leisurely strolls are more likely to choose safer walking routes than people who are running errands or commuting to work. The study compiled data from a 2008-2009 survey in King County to determine what routes pedestrians took for specific purposes. The data was then compared to maps that estimate the risk of pedestrian collisions.
While pedestrians who choose unsafe routes put themselves at risk of injury, drivers also owe pedestrians a certain duty of care. In fact, Washington has several laws designed to keep pedestrians safe, and if a motorist breaks one of these laws and injures a pedestrian, the pedestrian will likely have a viable personal injury claim.
Washington’s Crosswalk Law
Drivers must stop at intersections to allow pedestrians to cross the road within both marked and unmarked crosswalks (cars must also stop for cyclists crossing the road). It is also illegal to pass a vehicle that is stopped for crossing pedestrians. However, if a pedestrian suddenly steps off a curb and into a vehicle’s path when it is too late for the car to stop, then it is the pedestrian who is at fault.
The Due Care Provision
All drivers must “exercise due care” to avoid colliding with any pedestrian on any roadway, even when the pedestrian is not permitted to be in the roadway. Drivers should warn pedestrians who are in danger by honking their horn. They should also exercise “proper precaution” when the pedestrian is a child or an incapacitated person (such as a person who is on crutches).
Other Pedestrian-Related Traffic Laws
Take note of a few other pedestrian-related laws, including rules that pedestrians must follow:
- Both cars and bicycles must yield the right of way to pedestrians walking on sidewalks.
- Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians must all obey traffic control devices. For example, drivers and cyclists can’t run red lights, and pedestrians can’t cross the street when there is a no-walking signal. However, if a police officer is directing the flow of traffic then drivers, cyclists and pedestrians should follow his or her directions.Pedestrians are generally not permitted to walk on a road if there is a sidewalk available. However, if there is no wheelchair access on the sidewalk, that person may use the adjacent roadway.
- If there is not an available sidewalk then pedestrians should walk on the left side of the road so that they are facing oncoming traffic. But if possible they should move off of the road whenever a vehicle approaches.
- If a pedestrian crosses the street outside of a designated crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, then he or she must yield the right of way to drivers.
Contact Us Today
Motorists who break state traffic laws can be found civilly liable for any injuries that they cause. If you are a pedestrian who was injured because of a motorist’s negligence – or complete disregard of state law – you might be entitled to compensation. Contact one of our personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation.