Before you step off the curb to cross the street, be familiar with the pedestrian laws in Lake Charles.
You may assume that pedestrians always have the right of way, but that is incorrect.
What does having the right of way mean?
Automobiles and pedestrians can not be in the exact location simultaneously. You always have to wait for the other to leave the roadway. Right of way determines who may proceed into the shared space first.
When do pedestrians have the right of way?
As a pedestrian, you have the right to proceed into the street within a marked crosswalk when following crossing signals at intersections. You also have the right of way in marked crosswalks without stoplights.
What does the state consider a crosswalk?
The Louisiana Highway Regulatory Act defines a crosswalk as any part of the roadway painted with lines and designated as a crossing point. Additionally, unmarked crosswalks exist at the corners of intersections but have no markings.
When do people need to wait before crossing the road?
There are numerous situations where pedestrians must yield to cars before stepping into the street.
- If you need to cross the roadway at a spot between intersections, you must wait for all vehicles to pass before crossing.
- If you cross at an unmarked crosswalk, you must yield to traffic
- You must ensure all cars have time to stop before entering the road at any location
When you spend a lot of time on foot, being familiar with the right of way laws keeps everyone safe on the streets.
