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What are your Rights as a Pedestrian in Arizona?

pedestrian rights

 

Walking is a fundamental mode of transportation and a healthy way to enjoy the outdoors. However, you must know your pedestrian rights and responsibilities to ensure your safety. Such awareness will help you prevent accidents on the road. Also, it can empower you to advocate for safer pedestrian infrastructure and policies in your community.

Pedestrian Laws in Arizona

Arizona has specific laws that govern pedestrian behavior and driver responsibilities. Designed to protect pedestrians, these laws also ensure that traffic flows smoothly. Key provisions include the right of way at crosswalks, rules for jaywalking, and the use of sidewalks.

Pedestrian laws in Arizona primarily focus on ensuring safety at crosswalks and intersections. According to ARS 28-792, drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing within a crosswalk when traffic control signals are not in place or not in operation. Pedestrians must also follow specific rules. For instance, people should not cross the road when the “don’t walk” signal is displayed and yield to vehicles when crossing outside of a crosswalk.

Legal Provisions

  1. Right of Way at Crosswalks: Pedestrians have the right of way at both marked and unmarked crosswalks. Therefore, drivers must slow down or stop to yield to pedestrians crossing the road within these designated areas. If a vehicle is stopped at a crosswalk to allow pedestrians to cross, other vehicles must not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle.
  2. Jaywalking: Pedestrians must not cross the road outside of a marked or unmarked crosswalk unless it is safe to do so. Crossing outside of a crosswalk is considered jaywalking and can result in fines.
  3. Sidewalk Usage: Pedestrians must use sidewalks when available. If there are no sidewalks, pedestrians should walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.
  4. Traffic Signal Compliance: Pedestrians must follow traffic signals at intersections. Crossing the road during the “walk” signal is allowed, but crossing during the “don’t walk” signal is prohibited.

Recent Updates and Changes

Arizona has made several updates to pedestrian laws to improve safety, protect rights, and reduce accidents. One significant change is the increased emphasis on pedestrian visibility, especially during low-light conditions. Pedestrians are encouraged to wear bright or reflective clothing to make themselves more visible to drivers. Moreover, there have been efforts to improve crosswalk visibility and signage to help both pedestrians and drivers navigate intersections more safely. 

What is an unmarked crosswalk?

An unmarked crosswalk is an imaginary extension of the sidewalk across the road at an intersection. Pedestrians also have the right of way when crossing the street at any point within a block where the only intersections on either side are at the ends of the block.

Even at intersections without traffic lights, if there’s a crosswalk, marked or unmarked, drivers are required to yield. Also, they must be vigilant, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic.

Responsibilities of Pedestrians

A pedestrian, while protected by rights, also has responsibilities. For instance, ARS §28-793 states that pedestrians must obey traffic control signals. Thus, pedestrians should not suddenly leave a curb and step into the path of a vehicle that’s too close to stop safely. This helps prevent accidents by ensuring that drivers have enough time to react. Therefore, pedestrians can also be cited for jaywalking or crossing the road unsafely.

Another important aspect is avoiding dangerous behavior. Pedestrians are not allowed to cross highways or freeways where pedestrian access is prohibited (ARS §28-796). This includes walking on or along these roads where there are no sidewalks or pedestrian crossings.

Moreover, pedestrians must exercise caution when crossing the road, even when they have the right of way. This includes:

  • making eye contact with drivers
  • ensuring that it is safe to cross
  • not stepping into the path of an approaching vehicle

Dealing with Traffic Violations

Common traffic violations that affect pedestrians include failing to yield the right of way, speeding, and distracted driving. These violations can lead to accidents and injuries; thus, both pedestrians and drivers must follow the rules of the road.

Filing a Claim

If a pedestrian gets injured due to a driver’s traffic violation, he/she has the right to file a personal injury claim. This can cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. To support the claim, the victims should gather evidence like eyewitness accounts, traffic camera footage, and photos from the accident scene. In Arizona, there’s a statute of limitations for filing such claims, generally two years from the date of the accident (ARS §12-542).

Comparative Negligence

Arizona follows a comparative negligence rule, which can impact both pedestrians and drivers after an accident. Under ARS §12-2505, if a pedestrian is partially at fault for an accident, their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault. But this does not remove the right to receive compensation. For example, if a pedestrian jaywalks and is hit by a car, the pedestrian might be found 20% at fault. If they have $10,000 in damages, they could recover $8,000, with the amount reduced by their share of the fault.

Business and Property Owner Responsibilities

Businesses and property owners in Arizona also have duties toward pedestrian safety. Those who are legally present on private properties have the right to be protected from dangerous conditions and hazardous facilities. They need to ensure that their premises are safe by:

  • maintaining walkways
  • providing adequate lighting
  • posting clear signs

Therefore, if a pedestrian is injured on private property due to unsafe conditions, the property owner may be held liable under premises liability laws.

School Zones and Safety Corridors

Special attention is given to areas like school zones and safety corridors. In school zones, drivers must reduce speed and be extra careful due to the presence of children. Students have the right to safe school zones. Safety corridors are areas with high accident rates, where increased enforcement and stricter penalties for violations aim to improve safety.

Simply put, pedestrian rights are meant to keep you safe. By following the rules, you can reduce the risk of accidents. However, if you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, do not hesitate to consult a pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can help you obtain maximum compensation for your complete recovery. 

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