Pedestrian Laws in Texas

The increase in traffic collisions in Texas has forced lawmakers to institute various laws to help increase road safety for both drivers and pedestrians. In a state where the most popular form of transportation is cars can sometimes pose a challenge for pedestrians. Since most Texans drive they might not be familiar with laws pertaining to pedestrians. For example, a pedestrian has the right of way to cross when there is a crosswalk with a green light and a walk sign. But did you know that, if there is an intersection that has neither a traffic light nor a walk sign, the driver must still yield to the pedestrian?
When driving or walking it’s important to understand a few aspects of pedestrian-related laws.
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked/unmarked crosswalks.
- Cars must yield to a pedestrian if they are approaching from a sidewalk that crosses a building, private road, or a driveway.
- Pedestrians are required to yield to cars when crossing where there is no marked/unmarked crosswalk.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TDOT) also has some pretty helpful tips for both pedestrians and drivers.
As a pedestrian
- Use the sidewalk when available, if there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.
- Cross at marked crosswalks and look both ways before crossing.
- Follow traffic signals and make eye contact with the drivers before crossing the street.
As a driver
- Reduce your speed when approaching crosswalks.
- Yield the right of way to pedestrians when turning.
- Stay alert at all times in the instance a pedestrian may walk across suddenly.
- Be careful and slow down when passing school buses, metros or stopped vehicles as people generally cross at those times.
Even when you abide by all the safety laws you or a loved one may fall victim to a pedestrian/car accident. If you or someone you know has been injured while crossing the street in Texas, reach out to The Hadi Law Firm at (832) 433-7977. Our Personal Injury Trial Law attorneys have years of experience and will ensure proper compensation and justice for the injuries you or your loved one may have incurred.