Traffic Laws for San Antonio Pedestrians

If you are a frequent pedestrian, it is good to review the traffic laws for San Antonio pedestrians. Knowing the laws that apply to you as you walk along roads helps keep you safer. Law-abiding pedestrians are much less likely to get hit by a motor vehicle.

However, accidents still happen, even when you are doing everything right. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, reach out to an experienced attorney who can help you understand your legal options. You may be able to collect compensation for damages.

Pedestrian Traffic Regulations

In pedestrian accidents that involve motor vehicles, the driver is usually the liable person. That does not mean pedestrians can do whatever they want. San Antonio does have pedestrian traffic laws, and people who are out walking need to follow these laws, or they may be more likely to get into an accident.

Walk in Marked Crosswalks or Crossings

When crossing a road, pedestrians have the right of way if they are walking in a marked crosswalk or crossing. Crossing the street in any other place is considered jaywalking. If pedestrians jaywalk, they must yield to the vehicles on the road.

In an accident that involves a pedestrian who jaywalked, it is possible that the driver is not liable. In that case, the pedestrian would not be able to collect compensation for injuries.

However, if the pedestrian was struck while crossing the street in a crosswalk, the driver would most likely be considered liable for the injuries because the pedestrian has the right of way in a crosswalk.

Stay on the Right-Hand Side of Crosswalks

Crosswalks on busy streets can get congested with pedestrians. To keep foot traffic flowing smoothly, people should follow the “rule of the right” by walking on the right-hand side of the crosswalk. This helps prevent pedestrian accidents and keeps everyone safer in a high-traffic area.

Follow Traffic Signals at Controlled Intersections

Intersections that are controlled by traffic lights also have pedestrian traffic signals. These signals tell pedestrians when they can cross the crosswalk at the intersection and when they need to wait on the sidewalk. Pedestrians should only cross the crosswalk when the signal tells them to. If they cross against the signal, they are crossing the road illegally and increasing the risk of an accident.

Use Sidewalks Where Available

Sidewalks are specifically designed for pedestrian use. When out for a walk or a jog, staying on the sidewalk is the safest option. In fact, in San Antonio, it is a law that pedestrians need to use sidewalks when they are available. When walking along a road that does not have a sidewalk, walk on the shoulder of the road facing traffic. Facing the traffic as it approaches allows for more time to react to a dangerous situation.

Traffic Laws Regarding Visually-Impaired Pedestrians

In Texas, visually impaired pedestrians are protected by a law that says anyone who uses a white cane or a guide dog has the right of way. Drivers must stop and allow the person to cross the road safely.

Discuss San Antonio Pedestrian Traffic Laws with an Attorney

When you are involved in a pedestrian accident, you can get solid legal advice from a personal injury attorney who understands traffic laws for San Antonio pedestrians. Deep knowledge of traffic laws and how they apply to a case helps us build a strong case for your lawsuit.

Let us know more about your pedestrian accident. Contact us at any time. We are here to help you.