Cars and pedestrians: Know the law

[March 09, 2010]  You know how it is -- you have to get somewhere, you get yourself ready and maybe round up a few kids, jump in the car and go. While you are driving, maybe something unexpected occurs that makes you think, "What does the law say about this? I wish I knew that." And then you get where you were going, and before the keys are even out of the ignition, you've forgotten about the incident … until the next time it happens or when you hear that someone was injured or worse from the very same thing.

Clearly, it is particularly important to avoid situations that might harm another human being, such by striking another vehicle, and even greater precaution should be exercised to avoid striking a pedestrian or bicyclist.

While there are many road hazards to be prepared for, one reader recently was prompted to write so that you and others might be spared a bad experience.

Do you know what your responsibility is in a crosswalk area? Do you know how many crosswalks there are in Lincoln and where they are located?

Crosswalks are commonly found at an intersection and usually match up to sidewalks. However, they may also be found at midblock in an area with high foot traffic or where there are long blocks and no cross streets, such as in a business district or some school campus areas. They are identified by vertical white stripes on the pavement.

The number of these special designation midblock walkways in Lincoln has increased in recent years. It is important for local drivers to familiarize themselves with where these walks may have been added and know how to respond.

Additionally, our reader observed that often a crosswalk might not be visible when covered by snow. There may also be times they are less visible, such as at night or in the rain.

It has often been observed in Lincoln that some drivers seem confused at a crosswalk that is in the middle of the block. Some drivers come to a full stop as though there is a stop sign, even when there is no one on foot around. Some slow, and speed up, and slow again; some do a running stop, like a tap of the brakes.

So, what should you be doing?

"Drivers and pedestrians both are responsible for traffic safety. A simple rule is that drivers should always be prepared to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians." -- Illinois Rules of the Road

Motorists

At the end of this article you will find details of the current requirements. In summary, you should use caution at all times to avoid any pedestrian in the roadway, and use extra caution approaching all crosswalks. Be prepared to stop for anyone in the crosswalk, "slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield, to a pedestrian."

There are a number of bills in legislation that if passed, would make the crosswalk laws more restrictive. But for now, in general, it is a more practical "yield" exercise in judgment on when to stop that prioritizes the safety of the pedestrian.

Pedestrians

It is equally important for pedestrians to realize that some drivers may not understand or recognize the walkway, and that every pedestrian needs to be cautious when using a crosswalk or stepping into a roadway. Never step abruptly in front of a moving vehicle.

Parents are encouraged to take a few minutes from time to time to remind your children of the hazards of a moving vehicle. Teach your children to be conscious of vehicles at all times -- while walking, playing, riding a bicycle or even the safe distance to wait near a street or alleyway.

Other pedestrian safety rules

• Pedestrians must not walk on a roadway unless there is no sidewalk or shoulder next to it. Under these conditions, pedestrians should always walk as close to the outside edge of the road as possible.

• Also, it is recommended that in two-way traffic, pedestrians should walk facing oncoming traffic.

• When walking, wear noticeable clothing -- light clothing if it is dark outside.

People operating a motor vehicle should understand that it is always their responsibility to keep their vehicle under control. Laws help negotiate some particular situations, but laws often change. So it might be helpful to review the Rules of the Road every so many years. Stop by any driver's license facility and they will happily give you the latest copy of the Rules of the Road for free.

[LDN staff]

Quotations are from Illinois Rules of the Road 2009.

Thanks to Lincoln police Chief Stuart Erlenbush for assistance in finding the current law on crosswalks.

Thanks also to Tracy Jackson, Lincoln street superintendent, for a full listing of current crosswalks in Lincoln. (See list.)

The Illinois Vehicle Code definition of "crosswalk" is found in Chapter 1. Title and Definitions, 625 ILCS 5/1-113.

Crosswalk.

(a) That part of a roadway at an intersection included within the connections of the lateral lines of the sidewalks on opposite sides of the highway measured from the curbs or, in the absence of curbs, from the edges of the traversable roadway, and in the absence of a sidewalk on one side of the highway, that part of the highway included within the extension of the lateral line of the existing sidewalk to the side of the highway without the sidewalk, with such extension forming a right angle to the centerline of the highway;

(b) Any portion of a roadway at an intersection or elsewhere distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface placed in accordance with the provisions in the Manual adopted by the Department of Transportation as authorized in Section 11-301.

(Source: P.A. 83-831.)

The right of way at crosswalks, extracted from the Illinois Vehicle Code, Rules of the Road, 625 ILCS 5/11-1002.

Sec. 11-1002.
Pedestrians' right-of-way at crosswalks.

(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.

(b) No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a moving vehicle which is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.

(c) Paragraph (a) shall not apply under the condition stated in Section 11-1003 (b).

(d) Whenever any vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass such stopped vehicle.

(e) Whenever stop signs or flashing red signals are in place at an intersection or at a plainly marked crosswalk between intersections, drivers shall yield right-of-way to pedestrians as set forth in Section 11-904 of this Chapter.

(Source: P.A. 79-857.)

"Crossing at other than crosswalks," extracted from the Illinois Vehicle Code, Rules of the Road, 625 ILCS 5/11-1003.

Sec. 11-1003.
Crossing at other than crosswalks.

(a) Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.

(b) Any pedestrian crossing a roadway at a point where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.

(c) Between adjacent intersections at which traffic-control signals are in operation pedestrians shall not cross at any place except in a marked crosswalk.

(d) No pedestrian shall cross a roadway intersection diagonally unless authorized by official traffic-control devices; and, when authorized to cross diagonally, pedestrians shall cross only in accordance with the official traffic-control devices pertaining to such crossing movements.

(e) Pedestrians with disabilities may cross a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk where the intersection is physically inaccessible to them but they shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.

(Source: P.A. 88-685, eff. 1-24-95.)

"Drivers to exercise due care," extracted from the Illinois Vehicle Code, Rules of the Road, 625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1.

Sec. 11-1003.1.
Drivers to exercise due care.

Notwithstanding other provisions of this Code or the provisions of any local ordinance, every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian, or any person operating a bicycle or other device propelled by human power and shall give warning by sounding the horn when necessary and shall exercise proper precaution upon observing any child or any obviously confused, incapacitated or intoxicated person.

(Source: P.A. 82-132.)

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Lincoln crosswalks

Location	Qnty.	Mat.
4th & Union	2	Paint
4th between Union & Maple	1	Paint
4th & Maple	4	Paint
5th & Washington	2	State
5th & Adams	2	State
5th & Jackson	1	Retro
5th & Maple	1	State
6th & Jackson	1	Retro
6th between Jackson & Adams	1	Retro
6th & Adams	2	Retro
7th between Postville & Main	1	Paint
7th & Maple	4	Paint
7th & Union	2	Paint Retro
8th & Union	3	Retro
8th & Maple	1	Paint
8th between Maple & Pine	1	Retro
11th & State	1	Paint
11th between State & College St.	1	Paint
11th & College St.	4	Retro
College St. & Woodlawn	4	State
Woodlawn & Lincoln Parkway	1	State
Malerich & Herndon	1	Retro
Woodlawn & Palmer	1	State
Woodlawn & Oglesby	1	State
Woodlawn & Grand	1	State
Woodlawn & Edgar	1	State
Woodlawn & Union	4	State
Keokuk & Beach	1	State
Keokuk & Hudson	1	State
Keokuk & Hennepin	1	State
Keokuk & Ottawa	4	State
Keokuk & Clay	1	State
Keokuk & Water	1	State
Keokuk & College Ave.	1	State
Keokuk & Kankakee	2	State
Keokuk & Logan	4	State
Keokuk & Sangamon	2	State
Keokuk & Chicago	2	State
Keokuk & Kickapoo	4	State
Keokuk & McLean	2	State
Keokuk & Hamilton	2	State
Keokuk & Sherman	3	State
Keokuk & Limit	1	State
Ottawa & Burlington	1	Retro
Ottawa & Davenport	1	Retro
Ottawa between Davenport & Wichita	2	Retro
Nicholson Rd. & Rochelle	1	Retro
Broadway & Ottawa	4	Retro
Broadway between Ottawa & Kankakee	1	Retro
Broadway & Kankakee	4	Retro
Broadway & Logan	4	Retro
Logan & Pulaski	2	Retro
Sangamon & Pulaski	4	Retro
Sangamon & Broadway	4	Retro
Chicago & Broadway	4	Retro
Chicago & Pulaski	4	Retro
Kickapoo & Lynn	1	Retro
Kickapoo & Frorer	1	Retro
Kickapoo & Willamette	2	Retro
Kickapoo & Willard	1	Retro
Kickapoo & Wyatt	4	Retro
Kickapoo & Clinton	4	Retro
Kickapoo & Pulaski	4	Retro
Kickapoo & Broadway	4	Retro
Kickapoo & Pekin	4	Retro
McLean & Pekin	4	Retro
McLean & Broadway	4	Retro
McLean & Pulaski	4	Retro
McLean & Clinton	4	Retro
Around the square in the middle of the block	4	Retro
Alley behind the library	1	Paint
Hamilton & Pulaski	1	Retro
Hamilton & Broadway	4	Retro
Sherman & Delavan	4	Paint
Sherman between Delavan & Pekin	1	Paint
Sherman & Pekin	3	Paint
Sherman & Broadway	2	Paint Retro
Sheridan & Pekin	3	Paint
Sheridan & Delavan	2	Paint
Limit at Precision Products plant	2	State

[List from Tracy Jackson, Lincoln street superintendent]