While there aren’t nearly as many “rules of the road” for pedestrians as there are for drivers, it is still important for pedestrians in Florida to understand their legal responsibilities to ensure safe roadways. Here’s a quick overview of some of the laws affecting pedestrians in the state.
- Traffic control devices: Pedestrians are required to obey traffic control devices like signs, signals and pavement striping, unless they are otherwise directed by a police officer at the site.
- Sidewalks: Whenever there is a sidewalk available, pedestrians are not allowed to walk on the road. If there is no sidewalk, the pedestrian must walk on the shoulder on the left side of the road facing traffic.
- Crossing: Pedestrians must obey all traffic signals. They may not leave the curb or place of safety and move into the path of a vehicle that is too close for the driver to yield. If they cross anywhere other than a marked or unmarked crosswalk, the pedestrian must yield the right of way to vehicles. Otherwise, at marked and unmarked crosswalks vehicles must yield the right of way to pedestrians (unless traffic signals say otherwise).
- Right angle: Except within marked crosswalks, all pedestrians must cross the road at a right angle or by the shortest route.
- Standing in the road: Pedestrians must not stand in the section of roadway paved for vehicles to solicit rides, employment or business.
- Safety: Pedestrians may not jump or dive from public bridges. They may not pass through, around, under or over any barrier or gate at railroad crossings or bridges while those barriers are closed, being opened or being closed. Pedestrians shall also not walk on limited access facilities like freeways or ramps.
For more information about some of the specific Florida laws affecting pedestrians, contact an experienced Bradenton, FL personal injury lawyer at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez & Walsh.