Crosswalks – The Rule

Did you know that, under certain circumstances, vehicles must yield the right of way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk!

The law states that 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 stop for a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk.   However, 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 that it is impractical for the driver to yield!

A good rule of thumb is, while driving and approaching any crosswalk, if the crosswalk is occupied, meaning a pedestrian is actively crossing with-in the crosswalk, you should yield to that pedestrian.

The Village of North Syracuse has several crosswalks, which are not controlled by signals, so motorist should yield to pedestrians who are crossing the road with-in those designated crosswalks.

Have a safe winter!