Texas Legal 101: What you need to know about pedestrian laws

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Pedestrians during most times have the right of way. They can go on their merry ways as long as they follow specific ordinances and the law. But unfortunately, that is not always the case. Pedestrians take the wrong routes. Drivers who violate regulations also add up. There are circumstances where the law must step in so that order follows. Things are about to get legal, so we might as well get started.

Texas Right Of Way Laws

Most of the states implement several laws to protect pedestrians from vehicular incidents and other related scenarios. The state of Texas is not an exception and has its own set of laws. The pedestrian laws in Texas might not be the same as those of other states.

• Every driver has to yield to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks.
• A pedestrian may cross the street. Once they do, a vehicle must stop to give way.
• A pedestrian can cross a specific area, such as the front side of an alley, driveway, or a private setting. A driver must yield if a person walking on foot treks along with these locations.
• A driver must yield to a pedestrian when pulling out or getting into a driveway or an alley.
• Drivers cannot pass or overtake a vehicle that has stopped for someone who is crossing the street.
• Drivers should also reduce their vehicle speed when near crosswalks.

However, pedestrians do not have the right of way at all times. There are ordinances in the state that people must follow where this is the case.

• Pedestrians should follow traffic signs and controls.
• An individual must yield the right of way should they cross any location except marked and unmarked crosswalks.

Texas laws require pedestrians and drivers alike to take precautions. Doing so will keep the traffic running smoothly, and it will also prevent accidents that lead to damages and injuries.

Unmarked And Marked Crosswalks

Anyone can spot a crosswalk with marks on it. Painted white lines and other indicators are impossible to miss. These areas are what we call marked crosswalks. While many can identify a marked crosswalk, some people have a hard time identifying an unmarked one. Unmarked crossways are paths that do not have indicators, such as painted lines and stripes. It is true that identifying one can be a bit tricky. But the thing is that an unmarked crosswalk is simply an extension of the side that crosses a street or two.

What Happens If There Is No Sidewalk To Cross?

There are some options a pedestrian can take if this happens to be the case.

• A person crossing must use any available sidewalks.
• If there are no sidewalks, a pedestrian should walk to the left. Walking to the left side of the street will keep the flow of traffic moving. Plus, you don’t violate any other regulations or ordinances by doing so.
• People can also make use of a biking lane if there are no sidewalks present in an area.

Collisions With Vehicles Happen All The Time. What Can I Do To Prevent One From Happening To Me?

Now that is quite the question. There are a number of us who enjoy walking or strolling to get somewhere. Should that be the case, here are some tips for you pedestrians out there.

• It is a swell practice to wear clothes that come in bright colors. These clothes will make anyone wearing them appear a lot visible for a driver.
• You have to walk on the left side of the road.
• There are other areas for crossing, but it would be best if you take the intersections. 
• Check for any incoming traffic if you are getting off public transportation. Do the same for streets where cars park.
• In addition, you can try to make eye contact with a driver as you cross a street. It would not hurt to do so.

Can A Biker Be Considered A Pedestrian?

In the state of Texas, that would be a no. Bikers are considered motor vehicle riders. Bikers enjoy the same rights as much as any driver in the state. They are also responsible for their actions and must follow vehicle-related regulations. This aspect includes yielding to pedestrians, following signs, maintaining speed, and so on.

There Are Lawyers Who Can Help You

We have no control over some things that happen to us in our lives. And things including vehicular accidents, can happen at any given moment. So who can help you if such a scenario occurs? That is where lawyers step in. These professional workers who hail from firms and private practice can give you a hand. They will make sure you get all the compensation you need in the light of an accident. They will also represent you in court and assist in serving justice.

As A Conclusion

As a pedestrian, you should take all the necessary precautions to avoid accidents – or violating ordinances. You don’t want to be on the bad side of the law or the wrong end of a car. The same goes if you are a driver. It is better to take these ordinances to heart. They save lives and help keep order. You should play your part so that things keep running as smoothly as pie.