Crosswalks are designed to help pedestrians move safely and predictably across busy intersections. A marked crosswalk alerts drivers that pedestrians may be crossing and directs pedestrians to safe crossing locations. While crosswalks make Hawaii streets safer, they only work if drivers and pedestrians exercise adequate crosswalk safety.
Hawaii Crosswalk Laws
Hawaii has several laws governing how pedestrians and motorists should behave upon approaching crosswalks, including:
- § 291C-72 (a) – Motorists must stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the roadway when they are on or approaching the same side of the road.
- § 291C-72 (b) – Pedestrians cannot suddenly leave a curb or “place of safety” and enter the path of an oncoming vehicle on the road.
- § 291C-72 (d) – When vehicles are stopped at any marked or unmarked crosswalks to allow pedestrians to cross, motorists in other vehicles approaching from behind may not overtake or pass the stopped vehicle.
- § 291C-73 (a) – Pedestrians crossing the road at any point outside a marked crosswalk or unmarked intersection must yield the right of way to vehicles.
- § 291C-73 (b) – Pedestrians who cross the road despite available pedestrian tunnels or bridges nearby must yield the right of way to vehicles.
- § 291C-73 (c) – Pedestrians who are between adjacent intersections with operational traffic control signals must cross the road only in marked crosswalks.
- § 291C-73 (d) – Pedestrians may not travel diagonally across intersections unless specifically authorized by official traffic control signals.
- § 291C-33 (3) – Pedestrians may not start to cross the road at intersections with countdown timers for pedestrian traffic if the countdown timer has already begun.
How to Avoid Crosswalk Accidents as a Pedestrian
Here are some pedestrian safety tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Wear bright or reflective clothing to make yourself as visible as possible in low light or low visibility conditions. Keep a flashlight with you.
- Cross roads at designated crosswalks or intersections whenever you can.
- If possible, walk along sidewalks or other designated paths instead of the road.
- When walking paths are not available, walk on road shoulders facing traffic.
- Avoid using headphones or earbuds that drown out traffic noise. You could miss the sounds of squealing brakes or horns to warn you of danger.
- Avoid walking while intoxicated.
How to Prevent Crosswalk Accidents as a Driver
Drivers can help prevent crosswalk accidents by following safety guidance from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- Look out for pedestrians at all times, not just at intersections.
- Exercise extreme caution in low visibility conditions, such as at night or in heavy fog.
- Slow down and prepare to stop any time you approach a crosswalk.
- Yield to pedestrians navigating crosswalks.
- Never pass another vehicle that is already stopped at a crosswalk
- Never drive while distracted, fatigued, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Follow local speed limits, especially in school zones and residential areas.
- Pay special attention when backing out of driveways and parking spaces.
Contact a Hawaii Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a Hawaii pedestrian accident, reach out to a lawyer at Recovery Law Center for help. Our experienced attorneys can help you pursue maximum compensation to restore your financial security and personal wellbeing.
There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain by scheduling a free consultation. Call or fill out our online contact form now.
