Just like motor vehicle drivers, pedestrians in Phoenix and throughout the state of Arizona have what can simply be referred to as traffic laws, which they are expected to follow as part of their duty of care towards others around them. These laws are established under both state and local codes, and failing to abide by them can seriously impede your pursuit of civil compensation if you try to sue over an ensuing collision involving a negligent motor vehicle.
However, you can only follow rules if you know that they exist and precisely what they do and do not allow you to do, much like how you can only enforce your right to civil recovery if you know how to do so in practical terms. With that in mind, here is a brief overview of important traffic laws for Phoenix, AZ pedestrians, all of which a seasoned pedestrian accident lawyer from Phillips Law Group can go into more detail about during a private consultation.
Staying on Sidewalks
In accordance with Arizona Revised Statutes §28-796, pedestrians are expected to stay on paved sidewalks wherever they are provided and to avoid on or along adjacent roadways whenever possible. If a pedestrian has no choice but to walk on or along a roadway because there are no available sidewalks, that pedestrian must walk only on the left side or shoulder of that roadway so that they are facing oncoming traffic.
Right of Way at Crosswalks
Generally speaking, A.R.S. §28-792 requires motor vehicle drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks if that driver is at any risk whatsoever of striking the pedestrian as they cross, and it also prohibits drivers from overtaking and passing other vehicles that have stopped at marked or unmarked crosswalks. At the same time, pedestrians in Phoenix, AZ are prohibited by this traffic law from stepping off of a curb and into the path of an oncoming car in such a day that the driver does not have enough to time to stop without striking them.
Crossing Roads Outside of Crosswalks
There is no traffic law in Phoenix, AZ specifically prohibiting pedestrians from crossing roads outside of crosswalks, but A.R.S. §28-793 does require them to yield to all vehicles in the roadway while doing so. Additionally, Phoenix City Code §36-128 prohibits pedestrians from stopping on painted or raised traffic islands in the middle of roadways if that sections of the road are not designed for pedestrian use.
Obeying Traffic Signals
Finally, Phoenix City Code §36-130 instructs pedestrians to treat traffic signals showing a circular green light and a green arrow simultaneously as if the signal was only showing a circular green light, unless a pedestrian signal is telling them to wait. Conversely, if there is just a green arrow on a traffic light, Phoenix City Code §36-131 requires pedestrians to follow local pedestrian signals but otherwise refrain from entering the intersection at that time.
A Phoenix, AZ Attorney Can Further Explain Pedestrian Traffic Laws
Following the rules listed above is key not just to staying on the right side of the law and avoiding fines as well as other criminal sanctions, but also to keeping yourself safe from preventable accidents and injuries. Unfortunately, even law-abiding pedestrians in Arizona sometimes wind up suffering serious injuries by no fault of their own, and instead due to the negligent actions of a motor vehicle driver.
If you have been hurt in this way despite following traffic laws for Phoenix, AZ pedestrians, Phillips Law Group can help you demand the compensation you deserve even if that requires suing in civil court. Call today to learn how a firm which has been locally owned and operated here for more than three decades can help with your unique claim.
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