Pedestrians must obey traffic signals governing crosswalks like Walk/Don’t Walk signs. They don’t have the right-of-way until they get a “walk” signal. They do have the right-of-way when traffic signals aren’t present at marked or unmarked crosswalks. Drivers should slow down and be ready to stop to allow someone on foot to cross safely.
Do Oklahoma Pedestrians Have the Right-Of-Way at Crosswalks with Lights?
Crosswalks in places like Oklahoma City or Tulsa are often found at intersections with traffic lights. Crosswalks can also be located at intersections with only stop signs or no signs at all.
When a traffic light and walk signals are in place, pedestrians only have the right of way when they are instructed to cross.
This is covered in Oklahoma statute 47 OK Stat § 11-501:
“Pedestrians subject to traffic regulations. (a) A pedestrian shall obey the instructions of any official traffic-control device specifically applicable to him, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.”
Do Oklahoma Pedestrians Have the Right-Of-Way at Crosswalks at Intersections Without Traffic Lights?
Pedestrians coming to a crosswalk where there are no traffic lights do have the right-of-way. Drivers must yield by slowing down and stopping if necessary.
“(a) When traffic-control signals are not in place or not in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.”
However, for their own safety pedestrians Oklahoma statutes prohibit those on foot from ever stepping into a street in front of a vehicle that won’t be able to stop in time to avoid a collision. This safety provision is also covered in §47-11-502.
The statute also explains that when a vehicle stops to yield to a pedestrian, other drivers behind the car cannot pass the stopped vehicle.
Are Drivers Still Responsible for Pedestrian Accidents If They Have the Right-Of-Way?
Even when pedestrians are crossing in a place where they don’t have the right-of-way, in the middle of the street for example, drivers are still expected to show as much caution as possible. They must slow down and do everything possible to avoid a collision.
The mandate is explained under 47 OK Stat § 11-504:
“Drivers to exercise due care. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this chapter, every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian upon any roadway and shall give warning by sounding the horn when necessary and shall exercise proper precaution upon observing any child or any confused or incapacitated person upon a roadway”
Those on foot who must cross the street have no protection from an impact with fast-moving, heavy vehicles. The resulting injuries from a collision can be catastrophic. The potential extreme consequences of an accident are why motorists must avoid collisions with pedestrians at all costs.
It’s also why drivers can be held liable for collisions, even if pedestrians were crossing where they shouldn’t have been. Victims can seek compensation for their hospital bills and the time they miss at work.
Contact An Oklahoma Pedestrian Accident Lawyer If You Are Struck By a Careless Driver
Oklahoma drivers can be distracted by so many different things, and this inattention to the road can lead to devastating pedestrian collisions. If a reckless motorist strikes you and you are seriously injured, you should speak to a skilled Oklahoma pedestrian accident lawyer at Ylla|Gosney. We help victims and their families in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and across the state.
Contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation case consultation. It’s the best way to find out what your case may be worth before you speak to an insurance representative who may tell you something very different. If you require a pedestrian accident attorney to get the most out of your accident claim, you won’t need any money to hire us. We don’t get paid unless your case is won. Then our attorney’s fee comes out of the settlement check an auto insurer must provide to you and your family.
