Rules of the Road – Is it a crosswalk?
Kim Haughn, Engineering and Construction Services Program Educator, Washington County Department of Land Use & Transportation
Did you know that, under Oregon Law, there is a crosswalk at every public street intersection (three- and four-way), even if it is not marked by painted lines? Pedestrians have the right-of-way at these marked and unmarked crosswalks. Motorists and bicyclists are required to stop, allowing the pedestrians to cross.
Pedestrians need to allow enough time for cars and bikes to stop and they need to make sure they are visible to motorists, especially on dark rainy nights that create poor visibility for motorists. Pedestrians and motorists both share in the responsibility of pedestrian safety.
Seventy-five percent of driver errors in motor vehicle-pedestrian crashes are a failure of drivers to yield to the pedestrian. And half of the pedestrians who are struck by vehicles are hit while they are in a crosswalk. A moment of impatience behind the wheel could end someone else’s life and ruin yours.
 Safety tips for drivers
Do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk. A stopped car may be a clue that a pedestrian is crossing. When stopping for a crosswalk on a multi-lane road, you should stop about 30 feet before the crosswalk so you don’t block visibility to a driver in a second lane.
When stopping at an intersection, do not block the crosswalk. This forces pedestrians to go around your vehicle and puts them in a dangerous situation.
Pedestrians move at different speeds. Be alert for children who may suddenly dart into the street. Be patient with older adults who take extra time to cross the street.
Around taverns and bars, be alert for people with slowed reaction times or impaired judgment.
Be alert for people or animals during low-light conditions, especially in areas where they are likely to cross the road, or you might not see them until it is too late to stop.
Watch for pedestrians, especially children, when exiting driveways or when backing out of parking spaces in parking lots.
Safety buffers
When turning at a traffic signal, drivers must stop and remain stopped for pedestrians until they have cleared the lane into which your vehicle is turning and at least 6 feet of the next lane.
At any other crosswalks - whether marked with paint or unmarked - drivers must stop and remain stopped for pedestrians until they have cleared the lane in which you are traveling (or into which you are turning) and the next lane.
Stop and remain stopped for students as you are directed by a crossing guard.
Stop and remain stopped for a blind pedestrian using a white cane or a guide dog until the pedestrian is completely across the roadway.
If a pedestrian is in a safety buffer when the vehicle enters the crosswalk, the driver will be cited for a fine over $200.
Visit the Washington County Pedestrian Safety page to learn more: www.co.washington.or.us/LUT/TrafficSafety/PedestrianSafety
Some information adapted from the ODOT Crosswalk Brochure: www.co.washington.or.us/LUT/TrafficSafety/upload/Crosswalk-brochure.pdf
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