New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyers: Stopping for Pedestrians in Crosswalks
School is back in session, which means more pedestrians on the roads. Most drivers are aware they are required by law to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, but when they need to stop can be a bit confusing. New Jersey personal injury lawyers offer the following guidelines to help reduce pedestrian accidents.
In 2010, a law passed in the Garden State that requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk and remain stopped until pedestrians are at least one lane away. For pedestrians that have not yet entered the crosswalk, the law is more complicated.
In most states, pedestrians must show some intent to cross the street. They can either put one foot in the crosswalk or stand in the street as if preparing to cross. Pedestrians can even make eye contact with drivers to show they want to cross. New Jersey pedestrians do not need to show intent to cross, but drivers are generally expected to stop if walkers have one foot in the crosswalk.
Pedestrians Are Responsible for Their Safety, Too
While the onus for safety may seem to be all on the driver, pedestrians are obligated to exercise common sense and courtesy as well. Pedestrians should allow drivers a reasonable amount of time to stop their vehicles before they cross. Stepping out into the crosswalk just as a vehicle approaches forces the driver to slam on the brakes, possibly leading to chain-reaction car accidents.
Towns differ on how strictly they choose to enforce the crosswalk law. Since 2010, more than 55,000 summonses have been issued in New Jersey to drivers who have failed to yield for pedestrians. When the guidelines are unclear, drivers are wise to drive slowly enough in areas common for pedestrians, giving them enough time to stop.
Conversely, pedestrians received more than 8,000 summonses for not waiting until the road was clear to cross or for crossing without indicating their intention to nearby drivers. With a bit of caution and common sense, drivers and pedestrians can all travel safely on New Jersey streets.
New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyers at the Law Offices Harold J. Gerr Fight for New Jersey Car Accident Victims
The Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr offers more than 40 years of experience protecting the rights of people injured in car accidents. Our New Jersey personal injury lawyers offer every client personal attention and a commitment to the best outcome possible for their case. Call our Highland Park, New Jersey offices at 877-249-4600 or complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation today. We serve the communities of New Brunswick, Edison, Somerset, South River, Sayreville, Metuchen, East Brunswick, South Plainfield, Fords, Middlesex, Old Bridge, Iselin, Bound Brook, Perth Amboy, and Colonia, New Jersey.
