Safe in 60: Rules Around Crosswalks And Pedestrian Safety

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Each year in Utah, about 30 pedestrians are hit and killed by drivers and another 785 injured, according to the Utah Highway Safety Office.

More alarmingly, the number of auto-pedestrian accidents has increased for the seventh year in a row.

I’ve found there is sometimes confusion about when a driver should stop for pedestrians crossing the street. Utah law is clear as it pertains to crosswalks.

Pedestrians have the right of way in both marked and unmarked crosswalks. Intersections are considered crosswalks whether they are marked or not.

Drivers must yield to pedestrians if they are crossing the lanes in your direction of travel, or if they are getting close to those lanes in your direction of travel.

If you are a driver, take a few extra moments to do the following:

• Look both ways a couple of times before taking a right turn.
• When making a left, double check that someone isn’t in the crosswalk before turning.
• If cars are stopped, before you try to pass them, make sure they aren’t waiting for a pedestrian. It is illegal to overtake or pass a vehicle that is permitting a pedestrian to cross.

And if you’re a pedestrian, you have responsibilities too. Stay alert and always cross in a crosswalk.