Cars and Pedestrians in Oregon and Washington

Cars and Pedestrians in Oregon and Washington, often create a dangerous situation with eachother.  Here are five steps to being a safer pedestrian from ODOT.

Step One: Stay Alert

Even with a green light, a white “walk” signal and a marked crosswalk-you still must stay alert and aware.  Don’t assume that drivers are paying attention or will follow the law. Be watching for them!

When crossing a street, always look left-right-left, then cross only if it is clear. Continue to check for traffic as you walk, particularly for turning vehicles. And be especially aware when walking across driveways and through parking lots.

Step Two: Be Predictable

Sometimes motorists are unsure whether a pedestrian wants to cross. If you don’t want to cross, move back from the edge of the roadway to avoid confusion. If you do want to cross, establish eye-to-eye contact with the motorists. If you’re not sure whether a driver sees you, let the car go first.

Always walk on the sidewalk if there is one. If not, walk facing traffic (unless the roadway is divided by a raised median). Facing the oncoming traffic gives you more time to react and is more predictable to motorists.

Step Three: Follow the Signals

Remember to obey all pedestrian signals at intersections. A green light or white pedestrian signal means it’s your turn to go, but you should still check for traffic first. A flashing red signal means it’s fine to continue crossing if you’ve already started, but don’t begin to cross- there’s not enough time. When the pedestrian signal is solid red, you must wait to cross.            

Every intersection is considered a pedestrian crosswalk, whether it’s marked or unmarked. If you cross a street anywhere else, you must yield to motor vehicle traffic. Some cities have laws against crossing “mid-block,” so check with local police.

 Step Four: Make Sure You’re Seen            

Many motorists are distracted and not looking for pedestrians. Improve your safety by choosing bright-colored clothing for daytime walks and wear something retro reflective for low-light or nighttime conditions. Carrying a bright flashlight can also help.

Step Five: Be Careful at the Curb            

Oregon statutes place responsibility on pedestrians not to suddenly leave a curb or other place or safety and move into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard (ORS 814.040a). Even if you have the legal right-of-way, the law can’t repair broken bones or a severe head injury. So look for traffic before you step off the curb, and keep checking as you walk.

Don’t enter the street between parked cars without checking for impending movement: a driver at the wheel, back-up lights or tailpipe exhaust. Be aware that the large cars, trucks and delivery vans can’t see you. Also remember that the vehicle, the longer it takes to stop.

Walk Smart and Stay Safe

While pedestrians generally have the right of way, we also have a responsibility for our own safety. Whenever vehicles are present, establish eye-to-eye communication with drivers to ensure they see you and are stopping before you begin to walk.            

Remember to follow these five important steps to walk smart and stay safe!

Stay Bright at Night!            

Studies show that pedestrians wearing dark colors at night are first seen by motorists at about 55 feet away- but a driver going only 20 M.P.H. need at least 64 feet to stop, even on dry pavement! A pedestrian wearing white is first seen at around 180 feet. A pedestrian wearing something retro reflective is first seen from 500 feet away, allowing a motorist going even 60 M.P.H. more than enough time to stop.

“Five Steps to Being a Safer Pedestrian.” Transportation Safety- Oregon Department of Transportation