Most drivers know that laws about getting behind the wheel of a car. We tend to be less familiar with the rules of the road for pedestrians.
Alabama Laws and Pedestrians
Pedestrians have the right to assume that cars on the road will obey the traffic laws. Nevertheless, pedestrians should always keep a lookout when walking on or around roadways and be aware of the traffic that is nearby.
Alabama Pedestrian Laws to Know: Alabama Code § 32-5A-1 though § 32-5A-330
What the laws cover:
These rules mostly concern the operation of a vehicle. They also contain provisions about proper pedestrian use of roads and guidelines for crossing the street.
Pedestrians and Traffic Signals
Alabama Pedestrian Laws to Know: Alabama Code § 32-5A-32 and §32-5A-210.
What it says:
- Pedestrians should follow the traffic signals (like traffic lights, stop signs, etc) intended for cars unless there is a specific pedestrian control sign like the walk/don’t walk signals.
What happens when streets have walk/don’t walk signals:
- Pedestrians should obey the crossing signals.
- Pedestrians have the right of way.
- Cars must yield to the pedestrian.
Crossing the Street with No Traffic Signals
There are not always traffic signals to guide people about proper crossing times. In these situations, there are additional guidelines to help you know how to safely cross the street.
Alabama Law to Know: Alabama Code § 32-5A-212
What it says:
- When traffic control signals are not in place or not in operation, drivers must yield the right of way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a marked crosswalk.
Other situations the law covers:
- A pedestrian crossing a road somewhere other than an intersection or a marked crosswalk: the pedestrian should yield to the cars driving on the road.
- Adjacent intersections using traffic control devices: it is unlawful to cross the roadway except at a marked crosswalk.
How Not to Cross the Street
There are very specific rules about how pedestrians should cross the street, including specifics on what not to do.
It is against the law for pedestrians to:
- cross an intersection diagonally
- cross the road in the middle of the block
These situations are commonly referred to as “jaywalking.”
Where Pedestrians Should Walk
Alabama Roadway Laws to Know: Alabama Code § 32-5A-215 and Alabama Code § 32-5A-218.
What it says:
- In most situations: pedestrians should avoid walking on the road.
- Drivers of motor vehicles must yield to any pedestrians on a sidewalk.
More specifically the laws give guidance on where you can and can’t walk.
- Where sidewalks are provided: you must walk on the sidewalks and not on the road or the side of the roadway
- When a sidewalk is not available AND the road has shoulder: pedestrians should walk on the shoulder as far away from traffic as possible
- When there are no sidewalks or shoulder available: pedestrians should walk as close to the outside edge of the roadway as possible on the left side of the roadway facing oncoming traffic.
Pedestrians and Alcohol
Alabama Law to Know: Alabama Code § 32-5A-221.
What it says:
It is against the law for a pedestrian under the influence of alcohol or drugs to walk on a roadway.
What to Do if You Experience a Pedestrian injury
A pedestrian injury can often be severe and the facts must be carefully investigated so that responsibility can be determined.
Many times, drivers and insurance companies blame pedestrians for causing an incident. It is critically important to complete a thorough investigation of the scene as soon as possible.
Some things to do if you experience a pedestrian injury:
- take pictures
- talk with witnesses
- determine if there is a video of the incident available from security cameras or other surveillance devices
Contact a personal injury lawyer who can help you determine who is responsible for your injuries and whether you will likely be successful in presenting a legal claim.