As children, we were always taught to cross the road when the green walk signal was on. Blind persons rely on an audible beeping noise to indicate it’s safe to cross. Most people take for granted that they have rights as pedestrians when making their way across various streets and roadways. However, according to the state of Ohio, this isn’t always the case.
What Ohio Traffic Law Says
It is true that in many traffic situations, pedestrians do have the right of way. However, Ohio traffic laws specify when this is true versus when they must yield to vehicles. Even on designated crosswalks, pedestrians do not always have free reign.
More specifically, pedestrians at crosswalks must yield the right of way to oncoming vehicles that are within an intersection at the time the walking signal is lit. Also, they can’t suddenly step off a curb and put themselves in the path of a moving vehicle close enough to cause harm. You could argue that this rule reflects common sense. It’s always safe—and mandatory—to wait for the crosswalk to be clear before continuing across the road.
Ohio law has other stipulations, such as the requirement to cross using a route at a right angle to the curb. Pedestrians must also take the shortest possible route to the opposite side of the street or road. These rules don’t apply to crosswalks.
Unintentional Implications of Ohio Law
A word of caution is warranted for pedestrians involved in motor vehicle accidents. Unfortunately, the law’s wording may allow negligent drivers and insurers to challenge personal injury claims. For example, it may be difficult for an injured pedestrian to prove that they entered a crosswalk long before a car entered the area before hitting them.
Advocacy from an Attorney Who Represents Injured Pedestrians
As pedestrian injuries and deaths continue to occur in Ohio, we urge everyone to exercise extreme caution when crossing roads. If you’ve been injured by a driver while acting as a pedestrian, the car accident attorneys at Clements, Taylor, Butkovich & Cohen LPA, Co., understand Ohio law and can help protect your rights. Call us today at 513.721.6500 or use our online contact form.