Drivers and Pedestrians

Have you ever been a pedestrian and had a car cut you off?

Have you ever been a driver and had a pedestrian dart in front of your vehicle?

These are all too often common occurrences possibly ending with deadly consequences. Remember the safety tips below to help mitigate dangers of the pedestrian and driver relationship.

Drivers:

  • Be cautious when approaching active (flashing) crosswalks. Even if it appears everyone has crossed, another pedestrian may decide to cross.
  • The speed limit is there for a reason. Ten mph could be the difference between being able to stop and not. Be a proactive driver! Action is always faster than reaction!
  • Once the pedestrian is on your half of the roadway or close thereto, STOP!
  • Don't pass another stopped vehicle at a crosswalk.

Pedestrians:

  • Activate your crosswalks!
  • Walk the extra 20 feet to the nearest crosswalk; it could save your life. Crosswalks are placed throughout the towns and drivers look for pedestrians at these locations.
  • If no crosswalk is nearby, you must yield to traffic on the roadway when crossing the road.
  • Do NOT dart into traffic! Once your crosswalk activates, ensure traffic has stopped before stepping into the road.

Vehicle vs Pedestrian traffic crash worked by the Indian Shores Police Department

cross walk

STAY OFF YOUR CELL PHONES WHEN DRIVING!  Drivers should pay attention to the roadway and pedestrians pay attention to traffic. STAY ALERT - STAY ALIVE!

The Law

Florida Statute 316.130(7)(b) - The driver of a vehicle at any crosswalk where signage so indicates shall stop and remain stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross a roadway when the pedestrian is in the crosswalk or steps into the crosswalk and is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.

Florida Statute 316.130(8) -  No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.

Florida Statute 316.130(10) - Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.

pedestrian
FDOT