We have made this observation many times; Columbia is “a great walking town.” Walking through the neighborhoods is great exercise and provides ideal opportunity to explore the architecture and history. Sometime, though, walkers and drivers seem to be unsure (or completely clueless) about the laws of the roads.

 

Lots of times it appears drivers do not see these lines; know what they mean nor allow “right-of-way” to pedestrians within the lines.

Here is “walking checklist” that may serve as an aid or reminder: http://www.dot.state.pa.us/Pedestrian/web/checklist-popup.htm; and Safety for Older Adults is a helpful checklist for senior citizens.

Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes contains the laws which govern the operation of vehicles (and pedestrians – walking or on scooters) on Pennsylvania roads.

Section 3542. Right-of-way of pedestrians in crosswalks.

• (a) General rule.— When traffic-control signals are not in place or not in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
• (b) Exercise of care by pedestrian. — No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close as to constitute a hazard.

Section 3543. Pedestrians crossing at other than crosswalks.

• (a) General rule.— Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a crosswalk at an intersection or any marked crosswalk shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.
• (c) Between controlled intersections in urban district. — Between adjacent intersections in urban districts at which traffic-control signals are in operation pedestrians shall not cross at any place except in a marked crosswalk.
• (d) Crossing intersection diagonally. — No pedestrian shall cross a roadway intersection diagonally unless authorized by official traffic-control devices or at the discretion of a police officer or other appropriately attired person authorized to direct, control or regulate traffic. When authorized to cross diagonally, pedestrians shall cross only in accordance with the signal pertaining to the crossing movements.

Section 3544. Pedestrians walking along or on highway.

• (a) Mandatory use of available sidewalk. — Where a sidewalk is provided and its use is practicable, it is unlawful for any pedestrian to walk along and upon an adjacent roadway.
• (b) Absence of sidewalk. — Where a sidewalk is not available, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall walk only on a shoulder as far as practicable from the edge of the roadway.
• (c) Absence of sidewalk and shoulder. — Where neither a sidewalk nor a shoulder is available, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall walk as near as practicable to an outside edge of the roadway and, if on a two-way roadway, shall walk only on the left side of the roadway.
• (d) Right-of-way to vehicles. — Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, any pedestrian upon a roadway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.

Section 3547. Right-of-way of pedestrians on sidewalks. 

• The driver of a vehicle emerging from or entering an alley, building, private road or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian approaching on any sidewalk extending across the alley, building entrance, road or driveway.

For pedestrians and motorists, safety has to be a primary concern and that is the reason for this article. But there are other reasons to know and observe the laws of the roads and streets …

these words appear at a law firm’s Website:

” … Provides Experienced, Professional Services in a Sensitive and Compassionate Manner to Accident Victims and their Families.

“Pennsylvania laws protect the rights of pedestrians and bicyclists. In particular, the laws state that ‘When traffic-control signals are not in place or not in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection,’ and that ‘Every person riding a [bicycle] upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle.’

“With or without a helmet, in or out of a crosswalk — regardless of the particular circumstances of a pedestrian or bicycle accident, an experienced personal injury attorney is an invaluable resource of information and help. To schedule a consultation regarding options for recovery of compensation after a pedestrian or bicycle injury, contact us.”

BE SAFE! – BE NICE! – DO GOOD!