In pedestrian vs. vehicle collisions, pedestrians typically fare far worse than anyone in the vehicle does. Approximately 50 pedestrians are fatally struck every year in Minnesota. Many more suffer non-fatal injuries – some catastrophic.
Part of the problem is that drivers tend to take greater precautions at some crosswalks than others. A University of Minnesota study that involved putting video cameras at crosswalks throughout the state found that when there were no traffic signals, drivers neglected to yield to pedestrians 60% of the time. At crosswalks with no markings at all, that number rose to about 90% failure to yield.
At crosswalks with some type of line markings on the pavement, drivers yielded anywhere from one-third to two-thirds of the time, depending on what kind of markings there were.
According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MDOT), a key issue is what drivers consider to be a crosswalk. In fact, as MDOT explains, “Every corner is a crosswalk.”
What does the law say?
The law makes it clear: “Where traffic-control signals are not in place or in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall stop to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a marked crosswalk or at an intersection with no marked crosswalk.”
Another factor that seemed to determine whether drivers yielded to pedestrians was the nature of the roads and the area. For example, in areas with a lot of pedestrians, fewer and more narrow traffic lanes and signage indicating the presence of pedestrians, drivers were more likely to yield. These are often residential areas, which doesn’t help those who walk in busier, more urban or even some rural areas.
Fortunately, during the study, there were no collisions at any of the 18 intersections filmed. However, researchers counted 16 close calls where the driver and/or the pedestrian had to make a quick move to avoid one.
While drivers are required to yield to pedestrians at all intersections, it’s important for pedestrians to realize that they need to be especially careful at intersections with no signals, stop signs and especially those with no signage or markings.
As noted, pedestrian injuries can be catastrophic. Victims may need long-term, if not permanent care and accommodations. It’s crucial not to agree to a settlement with an at-fault driver or their insurer without experienced legal guidance.