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When must drivers yield to pedestrians?

On Behalf of | Jan 17, 2019 | Auto-Pedestrian Accidents |

Auto-pedestrian accidents can have tragic outcomes when victims succumb to their injuries and lives are lost due to pedestrians being hit by moving vehicles. It is sad and unfortunate that many accidents between individuals on foot and vehicles could be prevented if drivers understood the laws that protect pedestrians and their right to walk. This post will offer an overview of some of the laws that protect pedestrians when they must cross roadways, but, as with all informative posts on this blog, readers are cautioned not to interpret its contents as legal advice.

In Oregon, drivers must stop for pedestrians who are in crosswalks. A pedestrian is considered in a crosswalk when any part of them or item that they are carrying, such as a cane or a crutch, enters the crosswalk. Drivers must remain stopped and yielding to crossing pedestrians even when those pedestrians are out of their lanes.

Generally, a driver may not proceed when a pedestrian is in a lane adjacent to the one that the driver is in. The pedestrian generally must be at least six feet passed the lane where the driver has stopped to yield before the driver may continue on their intended path. If a pedestrian suffers from blindness or limited visual power,s then extra protections may apply to them.

The failure of drivers to understand these and other laws leads to many dangerous and sometimes deadly accidents with pedestrians. Oregon residents have the right to safely cross the streets and roads that cover their communities. When they are harmed by negligent drivers who fail to yield to them, pedestrians may have options for securing compensation for their accident-related losses.

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