Pedestrians crossing at corners have the right-of-way:
Answers
Only at controlled intersections.
Only when a crosswalk is painted on the street.
Whether or not a crosswalk is marked.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is: Whether or not a crosswalk is marked.
Pedestrians have the right-of-way at intersections, regardless of whether there is a marked crosswalk. This is a fundamental principle of pedestrian rights and traffic safety designed to protect pedestrians and ensure safe passage across streets. In most jurisdictions, pedestrians are given the right-of-way when they are at or approaching a crosswalk, whether it is marked or not.
Explanation:
- Pedestrian Rights and Safety: Pedestrians are considered the most vulnerable group of road users, and traffic laws are designed to prioritize their safety. This includes giving pedestrians the right-of-way when they are crossing at intersections, regardless of whether the crosswalk is painted. The idea is to protect pedestrians from potential accidents with vehicles, especially since they are at a much greater risk of injury in a collision.
- Legal Basis: Traffic laws generally state that drivers must yield to pedestrians who are crossing streets at intersections. This is true at both controlled (with traffic lights or stop signs) and uncontrolled intersections. For example, in the United States, the law requires that drivers yield to pedestrians in crosswalks under the Federal Highway Administration’s guidelines.
- Marked vs. Unmarked Crosswalks: A marked crosswalk refers to the lines or other visual markers that indicate where pedestrians should cross. However, even if the crosswalk is unmarked, pedestrians still have the right-of-way at the intersection. This applies to all intersections, whether there is signage or not. Pedestrian safety depends on drivers recognizing their responsibility to yield at these locations.
- Pedestrian Responsibility: While pedestrians have the right-of-way, they also have the responsibility to cross streets safely, which includes not suddenly stepping into traffic. Pedestrians should always make sure they are visible to drivers and be aware of the traffic conditions before crossing.
In summary, pedestrians have the right-of-way at intersections, whether or not a crosswalk is painted. Drivers must always be vigilant and prepared to stop to protect pedestrians.