Everyone knows that the streets of New York City are bustling with pedestrians at all hours, making it a defining feature of the city. Unfortunately, the high number of pedestrian traffic is also a safety issue, with pedestrian accidents forming a significant part of traffic-related injuries and death in the New York state.
Knowing this fact, understanding the extent of pedestrians’ right of way is essential, particularly in a bustling city like New York.
The general principle of pedestrian right of way
Generally, pedestrians have the legal right to go first on the road, or what we call “right of way”, at marked crosswalks when the walk signal is on and at intersections with stop signs or traffic signals when they have the green walk signal in their favor.
When there are no traffic signals, vehicles usually still must yield to pedestrians crossing the road within any marked or unmarked crosswalk.
Exercising pedestrian caution
Even if pedestrians have the right of way, they must exercise caution and not suddenly leave a curb or sidewalk to walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.
Rules outside of crosswalks
Outside of crosswalks, pedestrians must yield to vehicles. Actually, jaywalking or crossing the street outside of a crosswalk is discouraged and generally illegal.
Knowing your rights as a pedestrian
Regardless of the situation, drivers should always exercise due caution when on the road. If you or a loved one suffer injuries as a pedestrian in a road accident, it is vital to know your rights, including the right to seek compensation for your injuries if they resulted from another’s negligence.
In these cases, the guidance of a knowledgeable motor vehicle accident attorney is invaluable to knowing your standing to seek damages and protect your rights.