PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
Understanding the crosswalk law
A Sept. 11 letter writer has the right sentiment, but the wrong interpretation of the crosswalk law. She states: "I hope Minnesota drivers wake up and realize that braking for pedestrians, whether or not they are in a crosswalk, is a law, not just a suggestion.
The crosswalk law and intent is clear, but there are subtleties. In the absence of a traffic signal, pedestrians are well-advised to cross a street at a crosswalk. A crosswalk at an intersection can be marked or unmarked.
The pedestrian must exercise caution before entering the crosswalk and not suddenly leave the curb. Simply standing on the curb at the crosswalk does not require a driver to stop.
Many pedestrians are correctly waiting for the safest time to enter the crosswalk, which is as it should be. However, once the pedestrian is in the crosswalk, vehicles are by law required to stop.
Drivers must remain stopped until the pedestrian has passed the lane in which the vehicle has stopped. The driver of any other vehicle approaching the rear cannot legally overtake and pass the stopped vehicle, which is an obvious safety concern for pedestrians.
I applaud those jurisdictions that are taking the initiative at better enforcement and those that are making better use of signs.
STATE REP. MICHAEL PAYMAR, DFL-ST. PAUL
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