Pedestrian Rights and Duties

Keeping safe on the street is everyone’s responsibility. Keeping the streets safe for pedestrians is the responsibility of government agencies such as the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Motor vehicle drivers must observe laws enforced by the state of California and the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Pedestrians are not exempt from observing regulations also offered by the DMV. In fact, the DMV has published a list of pedestrian responsibilities on their website. Some of these include:

• Obey traffic signals.
• Be aware of traffic conditions.
• Watch out for hybrid vehicles because they operate silently.
• If there are no traffic signs, let the vehicles have the right-of-way
• Make sure an intersection is clear before you attempt to cross a street.
• Do not hold up traffic while crossing the street.
• Do not cross a bridge or highway unless there is a sidewalk and you are permitted to cross.
• Walk facing oncoming traffic if there are no sidewalks.
• Wear light clothing and carry a flashlight when walking at night.

Now that you understand what a pedestrian’s duties are, it is important to know what a pedestrian’s rights are also.

The California Vehicle Code directs the rights of pedestrians while outlining the responsibilities of government agencies to maintain safe passages. Keeping pedestrian areas safe is critical to ensuring people are not injured or die because of negligence. If an accident should occur, the victim or his or her immediate family has the right to seek the help of an Orange County injury lawyer to sue for damages.

Chapter 5 Division 11 of the California Vehicle Code represents similar regulations to the ones listed in the Pedestrian Responsibilities. However, the Code also includes these rights:

• Pedestrians have the right to convenient access and travel without being injured.
• Vehicles should yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks and sidewalks.
• Vehicles shall exercise care while reducing speed to ensure pedestrian safety.
• When a vehicle has stopped at a crosswalk, the driver in the rear may not overtake the vehicle in front.

Samer Habbas Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

At the Law Offices of Samer Habbas, we stay current on the vehicle and pedestrian regulations that affect the safety and welfare of California residents. We want to hear from you if you have been hurt as a pedestrian in a motor vehicle accident. We can help you recover compensation for your injuries. Call us for a free consultation at 888-848-5084 or complete the web form for a prompt response.