Sadly, all over the United States, thousands of men, women, and children are seriously injured or killed in pedestrian accidents each year. Motor vehicle and traffic accidents are the number one causes behind pedestrian injuries and deaths. There are various laws and rules regarding pedestrian protection in our state, but unfortunately, they are commonly forgotten or overlooked after traffic school. Continue reading for a brief overview of standard pedestrian laws and regulations in Indiana.

Pedestrians

Just like all other driver’s on the road, pedestrians have rules and guidelines to follow too. In Indiana, pedestrians must obey all traffic and pedestrian control signals at all times. This means anyone traveling by foot is required to comply with “Walk” and “Don’t Walk” traffic signals; as well as, any other traffic control devices or signs. They are also expected to always use crosswalks and pathways designated for pedestrian use. This means no J-walking! These rules are just in that they protect everyone by establishing a safe, consistent, and effective plan that we can all easily understand and obey.

An At-Fault Driver

A driver cannot overtake or pass another vehicle that is stopped in front of them at a crosswalk for pedestrians or cyclists. This at-fault driving scenario puts any pedestrian crossing the path at that time, in danger of being hit by the driver. This is why it is illegal. All drivers must obey all traffic control signals, and yield to pedestrians that have the right away at crosswalks and other pathways. They must also yield to blind pedestrians; discernible by a white cane or seeing-eye dog.

An At-Fault Pedestrian

Pedestrians, just like drivers, can be at fault in a motorist-pedestrian accident. If a pedestrian darts out into a busy road from a safe place or sidewalk, they could be at fault if they are hit by an oncoming car. The law explains that in this situation, drivers that are acting in accordance with with their traffic rules do not have enough response time to stop for a wandering pedestrian. Also, any person on foot is expected to use a sidewalk, rather than the edge of the road, for safety. If there is no sidewalk, they are allowed to walk on the direct edge or shoulder of a highway or street. If a pedestrian is crossing a road that is not marked with traffic control signals or a crosswalk, they are expected to yield the right away to all traffic.

There are several more pedestrian safety laws and guidelines that begin to get very specific, such as pedestrian law IC 9-21-17-11; that states all pedestrians should move along the right half of all crosswalks. Not such a serious violation. The important Indiana pedestrian laws are general, but important. Vehicles are prohibited to overtake a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk; pedestrians have to obey all traffics control devices unless otherwise specified by a police officer, pedestrians must yield to oncoming traffic if there is no marked crosswalk or path, they cannot walk along the shoulder or edge of a road with a functioning sidewalk, and motorists are responsible to yield to blind pedestrians at all times. Keep these rules in mind and protect yourself and others on the road.

Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 if you are a victim of a pedestrian accident in Indiana. Indianapolis pedestrian accident attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, are seasoned injury lawyers that are eager to recover he rightful compensation you deserve after being wrongly injured in a pedestrian accident. Our law firm offers free initial consultations and will not collect attorney fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 for pedestrian accident and injury representation and legal counsel in Indianapolis, IN.