RoadSmart Report | February, 2003

Respecting the rights of pedestrians 

Most people don't consider taking a walk to be a potentially dangerous activity, but SGI's most recent statistics caution otherwise. In 2001 in Saskatchewan, there were 377 pedestrians injured or killed in collisions with vehicles. "While most motorists have learned to share the road with bicycles, it's important to know that pedestrians have rights on the road as well," says Shannon Ell, SGI's Supervisor of Traffic Safety Promotion. When approaching an intersection, drivers must yield the right of way to any pedestrians crossing the street. Even if the pedestrian is coming from a street with a yield sign or stop sign, they still have the right of way.  Ell says that common sense plays a role as well. Drivers travelling down a wide street don't need to stop if the pedestrian is a safe distance away on the other side of the street. 

When yielding to a pedestrian, vehicles must stop before the crosswalk, which will either be painted on the road or be an imaginary extension of the sidewalk. It's especially important to be alert when travelling in school zones, since young children may not be paying as close attention as they should. Drivers should be on the look out around school zones for crossing guards or school safety patrols, in case they are directed to stop. Again, drivers must yield to pedestrians at an intersection - even in the absence of a crossing guard or safety patrol. 

Perhaps one of the most important rules to remember is that drivers should never pass another vehicle that is stopped for a pedestrian. 

" This could lead to tragic results if the pedestrian crosses in front of the other car and right into your lane as you are driving through," warns Ell. While every driver needs to be aware of pedestrians' rights, pedestrians have responsibilities as well. 

Pedestrians should always cross at an intersection - not the middle of the road. At intersections controlled by traffic lights, pedestrians must obey the "Walk" and "Don't Walk" signals. Pedestrians should never start crossing a street until they have given motorists a sufficient amount of time to stop. As well, pedestrians should always walk on the sidewalk. In the absence of a sidewalk, pedestrians should walk on the left shoulder of the road, facing oncoming traffic. 

Ell says it's important to note that the term "pedestrian" includes people in wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs and medical scooters. 

Contact: Shannon Ell
Supervisor, Traffic Safety Promotion
SGI
Regina
(306) 775-6179