Not All Texas Crosswalks Are Marked in TX
Most drivers are well aware that pedestrians in crosswalks have the right-of-way, but what about crosswalks and crossings that are not marked? Just because a street crossing is not marked does not mean that pedestrians who cross there are not protected by the law. Drivers are responsible for understanding Texas right-of-way laws as they relate to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks and of carefully and consistently adhering to these laws.
Unmarked Crossings
An unmarked crossing is simply a crosswalk that is not painted to indicate that it is a crosswalk – and is therefore unmarked. Such crossings are like unmarked extensions that connect one sidewalk to another one across the street. The fact is that pedestrians need to be able to cross the street at a sidewalk’s end, whether there is a marked crosswalk or not. As a result, every corner is a crosswalk.
Texas Right-of-Way Laws
In the State of Texas, a driver must adhere to right-of-way laws that require him or her to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks when those pedestrians are on the same half of the road as the driver or when those pedestrians are approaching the driver’s half of the road from the other side of the road. This applies to both marked and unmarked crosswalks. If a driver approaches a pedestrian who is crossing traffic from a sidewalk that crosses an alley, a private road, a driveway, or a building, the driver must yield the right-of-way.
Pedestrians’ Right-of-Way Laws
Pedestrians have their own right-of-way laws with which they must comply to remain safe:
If a pedestrian is crossing at a crosswalk that is equipped with pedestrian traffic signals, he or she must cross only with the WALK signal.
If a pedestrian is crossing at a crosswalk that is only equipped with vehicular traffic lights, the pedestrian must cross only when facing a green light that is not a green arrow.
Any time a pedestrian attempts to cross anywhere other than a marked or unmarked crosswalk (at an intersection), that pedestrian must yield the right-of-way.
All told, Texas allows pedestrians liberal right-of-way liberties that become more expansive from here. Pedestrians are extremely vulnerable to the impact of even a minor traffic accident, and their right to cross the street safely must be protected. This does not, however, mean that pedestrians are allowed a free pass. Both motorists and pedestrians play important roles in keeping our streets safer for everyone.
If a Negligent Driver Leaves You Injured in a Pedestrian Accident, Consult with a Central Texas Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been injured – or worse – in a pedestrian accident that was caused by a negligent driver, Attorney Brett H. Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Central Texas is on your side. Mr. Pritchard has the experience, dedication, and compassion to skillfully advocate for your rights and for the compensation to which you are entitled. We are here to help, so please contact or call us at (254) 220-4225 today.