6 Pedestrian Laws In New York You Should Be Aware Of

If you’re a pedestrian in New York, you must be aware of the laws that apply to you. In this article, we will go over six of the most important laws that you need to know. Following these laws can help keep you safe while walking in New York.

How Busy Is New York?

The first thing you should know is how busy New York is. The city is constantly bustling with people and traffic. You must be extra careful when crossing the street or walking near occupied areas. Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of your surroundings.

Are Accidents Common?

Unfortunately, accidents do happen. In 2016, there were 128 pedestrian fatalities in New York City. While this is a decrease from the previous year, it’s still a significant number. Pedestrians need to be cautious and follow the laws to help prevent accidents. If an issue arises, pedestrians caught in accidents should immediately follow up with a Brooklyn car accident lawyer.

What Are The Laws?

Now that you know how busy New York is and that accidents can happen let’s go over the laws.

The Right-Of-Way

In New York, pedestrians have the right-of-way. This means that drivers must yield to pedestrians when crossing the street. However, this does not mean you can just walk into the street without looking first. You should always look both ways before crossing the road, even if you have the right-of-way.

Obey All Traffic Lights And Signs

You should always obey all traffic lights and signs. Pedestrians who don’t follow the road rules are more likely to get hit by a car. Remember, cars have the right of way, so you must yield to them when they have the green light.

Don’t Walk In The Street.

This may seem common sense, but you would be surprised how many people walk in the street. Walking in the street is dangerous because you’re more likely to get hit by a car. If there’s no sidewalk available, walk on the shoulder of the road and face traffic so you can see oncoming vehicles.

Use Crosswalks

Crosswalks are there for a reason. They’re the safest place for pedestrians to cross the street. If there’s a crosswalk available, use it. Don’t try to jaywalk across the street. It’s not worth the risk.

Be Careful At Night

Walking at night is more dangerous than walking during the day. Fewer people are on the streets, so it’s harder to see. If you’re walking at night, wear reflective clothing so drivers can see you.

Look Before You Cross

Secondly, New York has a “look before you cross” law. Before crossing the street, you must look left, right, and again to ensure no oncoming vehicles.

No Walking On Highways

Thirdly, pedestrians cannot walk on highways or limited-access roads. These are roads with high speeds and traffic volumes where it would be dangerous for pedestrians to walk.

No Jaywalking

Fourth, jaywalking is illegal in New York. Jaywalking is defined as crossing the street outside a crosswalk or against a red light. If you’re caught jaywalking, you can be fined up to $250.

Don’t Stand In The Roadway

Fifth, pedestrians are not allowed to stand in the roadway to solicit rides or business from drivers. This law is in place to prevent pedestrians from blocking traffic or creating a hazard for drivers.

No Texting While Walking

Finally, New York has a “no texting while walking” law. This law prohibits pedestrians from using their phones while crossing the street. If you’re caught violating this law, you can be fined up to $50.

Final Thoughts

Walking in New York can be dangerous if you’re unaware of the laws. Pedestrians need to be cautious and follow the road rules to help prevent accidents. Contact a Brooklyn car accident lawyer for more information on your rights if an accident occurs. Remember, cars have the right of way, so you must yield to them when they have the green light. If you’re ever in doubt, always look before you cross.