Pedestrians are the most vulnerable on roadways in Pennsylvania. They are no match for a vehicle speeding down the road in a collision. That is why it is up to drivers to pay attention and know the right of way rules when it comes to pedestrians. This will help to keep you and everyone else on safer.
The Pennsylvania General Assembly explains the general rule for pedestrians is that a vehicle should always give the pedestrian the right of way in any area without traffic signals regardless of whether or not there is a marked crosswalk. However, pedestrians share in some of the responsibility and should only cross the road when it is clear of traffic.
It is also your job as a driver to pay attention to what is happening in front of you. If a car in front of you is stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross, you cannot pass that vehicle. This would pose a risk to the pedestrian who you may not see.
Do keep in mind that this general rule only applies when you are crossing the road at an intersection or unmarked crosswalk. There are other rules for crossing in other areas and crossing when there is a traffic signal, which requires following the traffic signal instead. However, this general rule applies in most cases, so to be safe, you should always try to yield to pedestrians when you are driving for everyone’s safety. This information is for education and is not legal advice.
