What is Pedestrian Injury Law
Mays Law has helped pedestrian clients and their loved ones recover damages for injuries and death resulting from reckless and negligent drivers. Call Mays Law today to explore how we can help you if you or a loved one has been hit while walking or running along the road.
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Adhering to the laws and guidelines listed below helps ensure the safety of both pedestrians and drivers on the road. It also ensures that you have a strong case against any negligent driver that may crash into you or a loved one while walking or running along the road.
Types of Pedestrian Injury Guidelines
"Look both ways before you cross the street" is a common saying that we are taught from a young age. This rule is simple yet important because pedestrians (I.e. anyone walking along a roadway) are especially vulnerable to serious injury or death if they are struck by a vehicle. Because there is such serious risk involved, there are several laws in Georgia that govern pedestrian behavior. There are also many things pedestrians can do to avoid serious injury or death on the roadway.
In Georgia, pedestrian rules are designed to ensure the safety of people walking and to manage interactions between pedestrians and vehicles. Here are some common pedestrian rules and guidelines: ​​
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Pedestrian Crosswalks: Pedestrians should use marked crosswalks or intersections to cross streets. When a crosswalk is present, pedestrians are required to use it.
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Signals: Pedestrians must obey pedestrian signals at traffic lights. Crosswalks typically have pedestrian signal buttons that, when pressed, activate the signals for safer crossing.
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Right of Way: Vehicles must yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and at intersections. This applies even if there is no traffic signal present.
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Unmarked Crosswalks: At unmarked crosswalks (typically where streets intersect), drivers are required to yield to pedestrians crossing the roadway.
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Jaywalking: Pedestrians should avoid crossing streets outside of crosswalks, as doing so is considered jaywalking and can lead to fines. Jaywalking is illegal and can pose significant risks to safety.
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Sidewalks: Pedestrians should use sidewalks where they are available. If no sidewalk is present, pedestrians should walk facing oncoming traffic and as far from the road as possible.
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School Zones: Extra caution is required in school zones, especially during school hours. Vehicles must adhere to reduced speed limits and yield to pedestrians and children crossing the street.
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School Bus Stops: When a school bus has its stop sign extended and red lights flashing, vehicles must stop regardless of the direction they are coming from. This rule is crucial for the safety of children getting on and off the bus.
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Avoid Distractions: Pedestrians should avoid distractions like texting or using a mobile phone while crossing streets. Maintaining awareness of surroundings helps prevent accidents.
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Reflective Clothing: At night or in low-light conditions, pedestrians are encouraged to wear reflective clothing or carry lights to increase visibility.
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Impaired Walking: Pedestrians who are impaired or using mobility aids should ensure their safety by crossing streets carefully and using designated crossings.
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Use of Facilities: Where pedestrian bridges or tunnels are provided, pedestrians are required to use them instead of crossing the roadway at grade level.
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Enforcement and Fines: Violations of pedestrian rules, such as jaywalking or failing to use crosswalks, can result in fines or citations. ​
