If you are walking in St. Paul or plan to drive through the area, you need to know the laws that apply to you and others. Being safe means understanding your role as a driver or pedestrian and what you can do to keep yourself and others safe while you’re on the road.
There are specific rules that apply to drivers and pedestrians to help prevent collisions. Here are a few that you should know about when you’re traveling.
Crosswalk safety for drivers
Drivers need to stop for any crossing pedestrians who are in marked crosswalks. They should also stop for any pedestrians who are crossing at intersections when there are no stop lights or crosswalks.
Drivers should not continue on until the pedestrian as completely exited the lane. Other drivers should not pass a vehicle that is stopped for a pedestrian, because doing so could result in a collision.
What should pedestrians do to stay safe in crosswalks?
When pedestrians approach a crosswalk, it’s important for them to obey traffic signals and signs. They should not enter a crosswalk when a vehicle is approaching or when the driver won’t have enough time to stop. Pedestrians should be cautious about entering the roadway and be sure that the drivers around them are far enough away to slow down or stop.
What does crash data say about traffic fatalities in Minnesota?
In 2019, there was a 4% increase from the total number of traffic-related deaths in 2018. Out of those fatalities, 10 people were bicyclists and 50 were pedestrians. The most common causes of those collisions included distracted driving, speed and drunk driving.
The majority of collisions can be avoided. Drivers and pedestrians has a responsibility to each other to be as safe as they can be. By knowing the rules, you may be able to prevent a serious collision and get to your destination safely.
If you do get into a crash, remember that you can hold the at-fault party liable. They should be liable for your injuries and the costs that you accrue as a result of an auto accident.