As part of the Joplin Police Department’s goal to promote safer roads we would like to take some time and focus on pedestrians crossing the roadway. The mixing of people and vehicles is a dangerous combinations. One of the most probable locations for this to occur is in a pedestrian crosswalk. Crosswalks are designated locations near intersections where pedestrians are provided guidance on where to cross the roadway. These are typically marked with white lines on the roadway, signage, and “walk, don’t walk” signals for the pedestrians. At intersections were such markings are not in place, pedestrians are to cross at an intersection and in a straight line at a 90 degree angle across the roadway. Vehicle traffic is required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within an adjacent crosswalk. For example if you are making a right or left turn and a pedestrian is in the crossing area you must wait for the pedestrian to clear before making your turn. This becomes more complicated in busier intersections which provide more hazards for drivers to monitor and negotiate. Also, if stopping at a sign or signal, motorists must stop their vehicles prior to entering the crosswalk leaving the crossing unobstructed. Preforming a task such as driving requires focus and limiting your distractions that you can control such as cell phone use and eating or drinking. For more information on this topic you can visit the Joplin Police Department’s website at joplinpolice.org or contact us at (417) 623-3131. Applicable laws are also available through the website in the City Code located under the information tab. Code 114-318, 114-314, 114-788, 114-789. The video shows an example of how close a vehicle can come to a pedestrian if they are not waiting for the pedestrian to clear the crossing.
Posted on: Mon, 20 Oct 2014 18:00:00 +0000
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