By: Joshua Perry –
Halloween is a cherished time of year for many people, with fond memories of canvassing the neighborhood with their family and friends in search of their favorite candy. While exploring the neighborhood on foot, there are important considerations to keep in mind to ensure you and your group remain safe on Halloween night.
While walking the neighborhood, you are considered a pedestrian. It is important to follow the rules of the road as you cross roadways throughout your route, in search of the best candy and treats. The safest spot to cross the road is at an intersection with a crosswalk controlled by a crossing signal or police officer.
If an intersection is controlled by a police officer, it is important that you abide by the commands given by them. Not only is it the prudent thing to do, it is required of pedestrians under Pennsylvania law at 75 Pa.C.S.A. §3541. Many busy neighborhoods have police officers on foot, directing traffic for the trick-or-treaters.
In addition to police officers, an intersection may be controlled by a crossing signal. If this is the case, make sure to push the button and wait for the signal that it is safe to cross. Look both ways to ensure that no vehicles are approaching the intersection and remain within the crosswalk markings on the roadway.
If there are no crossing signals, but the roadway contains a crosswalk, drivers on the roadway are supposed to yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian in the crosswalk. Although pedestrians have the right of way in a crosswalk, the law requires that a pedestrian not suddenly enter the crosswalk to cause a hazard to oncoming traffic. Instead, stop and look both ways before entering the crosswalk. If vehicles are approaching, ensure that they are yielding the right of way before proceeding in front of them.
In the event that there is not a crosswalk at the location you are crossing the roadway, yield the right of way to any oncoming traffic. At these locations, the vehicles on the roadway have the right of way. If walking around an urban neighborhood with crosswalks in place, it is likely illegal to cross the roadway at any location other than a crosswalk.
While walking around the neighborhood on the sidewalk, keep an eye out for vehicles crossing the sidewalk while entering or exiting their driveway. Pedestrians have the right of way while on the sidewalk, but you should ensure that the driver of the vehicle sees you before proceeding along the sidewalk in front of or behind their vehicle.
Reducing Likelihood of Injury
Abiding by the rules of the road while walking around the neighborhood on Halloween night can help prevent devastating accidents and injuries. Be sure to choose a location for walking that has minimal traffic and is appropriately lit. Ensure that everyone in your group is wearing visible clothing. Having reflective clothing will increase the likelihood that others will be able to see you. Also, carrying a flashlight or some other light source will ensure that you can see where you are walking.
Finally, if you or your child is injured during trick-or-treating, give O’Donnell Law Offices a call and allow us to evaluate your claim. We can help you navigate through the various avenues of recovery for injuries as well as help you understand what your legal rights are in obtaining that recovery.
Source:
75 Pa.C.S.A. §§3541-3552