Pedestrian Rights on the Roads
Drivers and pedestrians both are responsible for traffic safety. Drivers should be prepared to yield the right-of-way and shouldn’t drive close to pedestrians walking on or near the road. In Illinois, there have been numerous pedestrian/vehicle accidents in just the past few months.
Recent pedestrian/vehicle accidents:
January 1st, 2019
Carbondale, IL Pedestrian Accident
At 9:29 p.m. in the 500 block of south wall street in in Carbondale, IL a man was struck by a delivery driver. The pedestrian suffered life-threatening injuries.
March 26th, 2019
At 9 p.m. on Herrin Road just west of Laminack Road a man was checking his mail when he accidentally stepped into traffic and was struck by a passing car.
March 30th, 2019
Carbondale, IL. Pedestrian Accident
Around 9:06 p.m. on March 30th, a pedestrian was walking his dog on Dogwood Road when he was struck by a truck. Sadly, the Jackson County man was killed from injuries sustained from the accident.
Know Your Pedestrian Rights
A driver must come to a complete stop (and yield):
- When a pedestrian is in a marked crosswalk
- On school days, when children are in close proximity to a school zone crosswalk
- A driver must yield to a pedestrian.
- When a pedestrian is in an unmarked crosswalk on the driver’s side of the roadway and there are no traffic control signals.
- When making a turn at any intersection.
- When making a lawful turn on a red light after coming to a complete stop.
- After coming to a complete stop at a stop sign or flashing red signal at an intersection.
- When a pedestrian enters a crosswalk before the traffic light changed.
- When a pedestrian is walking with a green light, to a walking person symbol or a walk signal.
- When a pedestrian is leaving or entering a street or highway from an alley, building, private road or driveway.
- When a pedestrian is entering an intersection with a flashing yellow arrow.
http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/traffic_safety/bikepedsafety.html
Important Safety Reminders
For Pedestrians:
- Walk on a sidewalk or path when one is available
- If no sidewalk or path is available, walk on the shoulder, facing traffic
- Be cautious at night and day when sharing the road with vehicles.
- Be predictable. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections when possible.
- If a crosswalk or intersection isn’t available, locate a well-lit area to cross safely.
- Be visible. Wear bright clothing during the day, and reflective material at night.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking.
For Drivers:
- Look for pedestrians everywhere.
- Always stop for pedestrians.
- Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk.
- Slow down and look for pedestrians.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Follow the speed limit
- Stay focused and slow down where children may be present
- Do not drive distracted
Key Findings: Pedestrian Accidents
- In 2016, there were 5,987 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes
- Twenty-six percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred from 6 to 8:59 p.m. in 2016
- More than two-thirds (70%) of the pedestrians killed in traffic crashes were male
- Alcohol involvement – for the driver and/or pedestrian-was reported in 48 percent of all fatal pedestrian crashes
- In 2016, 90% of the pedestrians killed were killed in single-vehicle crashes
- One in five pedestrians killed in 2016 were struck in crashes that involved hit-and-run drivers
Illinois Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Pedestrians expect to be treated with a reasonable amount of care and attention when walking along Illinois’ busy roadways. However, motorists are not always as careful as they should be, leading to serious accidents and injuries. Because the human body is nothing in comparison to the speed and weight of a car, truck, or motorcycle, injuries sustained can be catastrophic.
If you or a loved one is the victim in a serious pedestrian accident, it is important that you contact a dedicated Illinois personal injury attorney to help you seek the compensation you need to recover and hold the negligent party responsible.