Heather Ainsley
ECB Publishing, Inc.
In certain areas within the network of community roads and streets present in every town and city, there are sections dedicated to pedestrian travel. These sections are called crosswalks, and they indicate a place where people traveling around town on foot are permitted to cross from one side of a roadway to the other, enabling them safe passage in the midst of even the busiest traffic hours. In order for these crosswalks to continue to provide safe passage for pedestrians, motorists must be aware of the presence of crosswalks and must be mindful of proper roadway etiquette. In fact, by Florida law, they are required to.
Florida law 316.130 addresses the various road rules that apply to pedestrian traffic situations, and includes factors that both pedestrians and motorists must adhere to. Even people who are using a crosswalk but do not have a driver's license are not exempt from following these laws, and it is every citizen's responsibility to maintain good etiquette in order to keep everyone on the road safe, whether they are walking, biking or driving.
It has been brought to light by concerned Monticello citizens that many of the common city crosswalks are increasingly being ignored by vehicles, despite the presence of signs indicating the necessity to accommodate pedestrians trying to cross. There are four different types of crosswalks; controlled, uncontrolled, marked crossings and unmarked crossings.
Marked crosswalks use markings on the pavement to indicate preferred locations for individuals to cross on foot. These areas can also help motorists identify areas of potentially high foot-traffic.
Controlled crosswalks depend on some form of traffic sign or signal to inform motorists that they must stop for pedestrians. These signals could be a stop sign, yield sign or a traffic signal posted at the site of the crosswalk itself.
Unmarked crosswalks are located at any intersection of streets with pedestrian facilities, and do not need to be indicated to legally be considered a crosswalk. Motorists must treat all unmarked crosswalks with the same care as those that are marked or clearly indicated.
Uncontrolled crossing locations are located at an intersection of roadways where a pathway to cross is not officially indicated by a stop sign, yield sign or traffic signal.
Crosswalks exist regardless of whether they are marked or unmarked, controlled or uncontrolled, and motorists should always use caution upon approaching any intersection. Likewise, pedestrians should always exercise caution before crossing the road.
Bulb outs, also called bump outs, are often seen at road intersections. These features act to shorten the crossing distance for pedestrians trying to use a crosswalk, and can increase safety for individuals by not only providing an increase in pedestrian visibility, but the narrowing of the roadway caused by the bulb out can also cause motorists to be more careful and choose lower speeds to avoid hitting the curb.
The laws that protect pedestrians are commonly called Pedestrian Safety laws, and they include the Florida's Driver Yield Law as well as Right-of-Way laws. These rules, coupled with a mindfulness of others, can determine who has the right-of-way in a traffic intersection. For motorists, strict adhesion to traffic signals and indicators is always necessary. Florida's Driver Yield Law states that a vehicle that is approaching a pedestrian who is legally crossing the street must yield or stop to allow them to safely cross. According to Statute 316.130(19), “a violation of this section is a non-criminal traffic infraction, punishable pursuant to Chapter 138 as either a pedestrian violation or, if the infraction resulted from the operation of a vehicle, a moving violation.” Local law enforcement with the Monticello Police Department stated that the consequence for this traffic violation in the city includes a fine of $161.
Florida law states that if you hit a pedestrian and they do not survive, you will be charged with Vehicular Homicide. Under Florida statutes 775.082 through 775.084, the crime of Vehicular Homicide is a second degree felony and is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation and a $10,000 fine.
The rules apply to more than just motorists, however! There are several pedestrian laws in place that can keep Florida pedestrians safe on the roadways. Contrary to popular belief, pedestrians do not always have the right-of-way. Pedestrians must yield to traffic if they are facing a red traffic signal or other indication not to walk. It is also illegal to cross between two adjacent intersections if both intersections have traffic signals; pedestrians must cross at one of the two signaled intersections. If one of the intersections does not have a traffic signal, then a pedestrian may cross in between intersections legally. Additionally, pedestrians may not cross absentmindedly, but must pause before crossing to give drivers enough time to react to their presence and stop their vehicles safely.
By being mindful of others who share the roads with us, we can ensure the continued safety and wellbeing of our fellow neighbors. Pedestrians on foot, remember to always look both ways before stepping into any crosswalk, whether or not it is marked or controlled, and always indicate your intentions to cross to any oncoming vehicles. You are much smaller than a motor vehicle, and your injuries could be significant in the event of a collision. Drivers, keep an eye out for people walking and biking, especially around intersections. The consequences of even a minor incident could be life-altering for more than just yourself. It never hurts to be mindful of your surroundings. There is more than enough road for everyone.