Pedestrian safety depends on understanding and following right-of-way rules. In New York State, these rules help protect both pedestrians and drivers, ensuring that traffic flows smoothly while minimizing the risk of accidents.
Knowing how these rules work can help prevent dangerous situations from occurring on busy roads.
Right of way at crosswalks
New York’s pedestrian safety law clearly outlines that pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks when traffic control devices are in place. Drivers must stop and allow pedestrians to cross safely. If no traffic signal is present, pedestrians still have the right of way when they are in a marked crosswalk or any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. Drivers must yield in these scenarios to avoid accidents.
However, pedestrians are not always granted the right of way. For example, when a pedestrian is crossing outside of a crosswalk, drivers are not necessarily required to stop. In these situations, the pedestrian must yield to oncoming vehicles. This rule emphasizes the importance of always using designated crosswalks whenever possible.
Right of way during turns
One common scenario where pedestrian accidents occur is when a driver turns at an intersection. Drivers often fail to notice pedestrians crossing the street as they turn, especially when making a right turn on red. Both drivers and pedestrians need to be cautious in these moments. Pedestrians should make eye contact with drivers to ensure the driver sees them. The driver, on the other hand, should check for pedestrians before exerting their right of way to execute the turn.
Both drivers and pedestrians share the responsibility for preventing accidents. By knowing and following New York’s right-of-way rules, pedestrians can stay safe while using the roads. Drivers must remain vigilant and yield when required to avoid endangering others. These simple steps reduce the likelihood of accidents and keep everyone safe on New York streets.