Both pedestrians and drivers have responsibilities under Georgia law. Drivers must stop and allow pedestrians who are on or approaching their side of the street to cross. Pedestrians have a responsibility to watch for approaching vehicles.
It’s essential for all pedestrians and drivers to understand their rights and responsibilities under Georgia law to minimize the risk of catastrophic accidents.
When Do Pedestrians Have the Right of Way in Georgia?
According to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, pedestrians have the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks. Drivers must always stop for pedestrians crossing the street if they are on or approaching the same half of the street as the driver. Unlike some states that say drivers must yield to pedestrians in these situations, Georgia law explicitly states that drivers must stop and remain stopped until the pedestrian has either crossed the street or left the driver’s half of the road.
What Are the Rules in Georgia for Crossing Intersections?
In Georgia, drivers must completely stop and stay stopped to allow pedestrians to cross within any crosswalk when the pedestrian is either already on the same half of the roadway or is approaching within one lane of it. It’s crucial for drivers to stop – not just yield – when they see someone at a crosswalk. This strict rule helps protect pedestrians and ensures they can safely cross the street.
What Is the Definition of a Crosswalk?
Georgia law defines a crosswalk as the part of a road at an intersection connecting the sidewalk lines on opposite sides of the street. Crosswalks can also be any part of a roadway distinctly marked for pedestrian crossing by lines, street signs, or other markings.
What Is an Unmarked Crosswalk?
An unmarked crosswalk refers to any portion of a road at an intersection where the sidewalk lines on opposite sides of the street connect, even if there are no painted lines or other markings. These unmarked crosswalks are valid crossing points for pedestrians. Drivers must stop and allow pedestrians to cross safely at unmarked crosswalks, just as they would at marked crosswalks.
Does Georgia Have a Pedestrian Under the Influence Law?
Georgia law says pedestrians should not walk on a road or shoulder if they are so intoxicated that they could be a risk to drivers. This offense is a misdemeanor, and the penalties include a fine of up to $500.
Does a Pedestrian Have the Right of Way When Crossing Outside a Crosswalk?
As long as pedestrians check for oncoming traffic and do not suddenly enter the road in front of cars, they still have the right of way outside of crosswalks. Drivers should always watch out for pedestrians, especially when driving in busy urban areas and at night.
Is Jaywalking Legal in Georgia?
The term “jaywalking” typically means crossing the street outside of a crosswalk or other marked pedestrian crossing. However, this term does not appear anywhere in Georgia law. Even outside of a crosswalk, pedestrians have the right of way when crossing the street as long as they check for oncoming traffic and make sure it’s safe to cross before entering the road.
Does Georgia Have Any Special Rules for Pedestrians Near Schools?
Drivers should take extra care when driving near schools, particularly in school zones with lower speed limits. Because children are more likely to sustain severe or fatal injuries in a car crash, not following pedestrian safety laws or speeding through a school zone typically carries harsher penalties under Georgia law. Many school districts employ crossing guards to help children cross the street safely, and drivers must always stop when a crossing guard is displaying their handheld stop sign.
Is It Illegal for Pedestrians to Walk on the Highway in Georgia?
Georgia law provides the following rules for when and how pedestrians should walk on highways:
- Sidewalks – It is illegal for pedestrians to walk along the road if a sidewalk is present unless no vehicles are within 1,000 feet or the sidewalk is unsafe.
- Shoulders – If no sidewalk is present but there is a shoulder, pedestrians must use the shoulder, staying as far from the roadway edge as possible.
- No sidewalks or shoulders – When neither sidewalks nor shoulders are available, pedestrians must walk near the outside edge of the roadway. On two-lane roads, they should walk on the left side facing traffic.
- Bridge and railroad crossings – Pedestrians are prohibited from accessing bridges or approaching railroad crossings when signals indicate not to cross.
Will the Car Driver Always Be At Fault in a Pedestrian Accident?
Not necessarily. While Georgia law says drivers have an obligation to watch out for pedestrians and yield the right of way in many situations, pedestrians also have a duty to check for traffic before crossing the street. The liable party in a pedestrian accident depends on the specific facts of the case, and the driver and pedestrian could share liability under Georgia’s comparative fault laws.
What Should I Do If I Am the Victim of a Crosswalk Accident?
Always prioritize medical care to address your injuries. Once you’re safe, gather as much information as possible about the accident, including photos, eyewitness statements, and the driver’s details. Next, contact a trusted attorney who understands Georgia’s crosswalk and traffic laws to discuss your situation. They can guide you through the process of filing a personal injury claim to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Contact a Georgia Crosswalk Accident Lawyer
Accidents can happen even when pedestrians take care to follow Georgia’s crosswalk laws. If you sustained injuries in a crosswalk accident, the team at Sherrod & Bernard, P.C. can protect your rights and assist you in seeking compensation for your injuries. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation with a Georgia pedestrian accident lawyer.