There are crosswalks all over the place; their purpose is to protect pedestrians from being hit by cars. In Texas, drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks. Under Section 552.003 of the Texas Transportation Code, it says that drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians who are crossing the road in a crosswalk when:
- There is no traffic signal present or the signal is not working; and
- The pedestrian is on the half of the road that the driver is traveling; or
- The pedestrian is crossing the street and approaching so closely from the other side of the road that he or she is in danger of being hit if the driver were to proceed.
Under Sec. 552.003(b), it goes on to explain that pedestrians are not supposed to suddenly leave a curb or another safe place and proceed into the crosswalk so it would be impossible for a driver to yield to the pedestrian.
No Passing a Stopped Car at a Crosswalk
If a driver is slowing down to a stop so they do not hit a pedestrian in a crosswalk, it is illegal for a driver from behind to pass a car that is yielding to a pedestrian. In other words, when a car is stopped so a pedestrian can safely walk through a crosswalk, other cars cannot pass the stopped vehicle. Under Sec. 552.004 of the Texas Transportation Code, it says that when pedestrians walk through crosswalks, they are expected to stay to the right of the crosswalk if it’s possible. “What if I’m walking across a street without a crosswalk?” If you are a pedestrian and for some reason, the street you are on does not have a crosswalk, then you are supposed to yield the right of way to vehicles. However, if you are at an intersection with a traffic control signal that is working, you may only cross in the marked crosswalk when the light is “green” and signals you to walk. Next: 3 Reasons Why an Insurance Company Will Reject a Claim
To file a pedestrian accident claim in Plano, contact The Zendeh Del Law Firm, PLLC.