ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions about the rules of the roads, helping Central Florida residents become better drivers by being better educated.
Trooper Steve on Thursday was asked by a viewer named Eileen, “Are drivers required to stop their vehicles to allow pedestrians to cross at marked crosswalks?”
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
Trooper Steve said Eileen’s question is timely because the area is starting to see a lot of new mid-block crosswalks.
“As drivers, we are used to seeing crosswalks at intersections that also have traffic-control devices,” Trooper Steve said. “It’s extremely important that drivers and pedestrians pay attention to the traffic signals as they indicate when a driver or a pedestrian is allowed to go.”
At mid-block crossings, traffic signs are posted well before the crosswalk, meaning a driver has to pay attention to the signs to know what’s coming.
“If a pedestrian is located close to that crosswalk and is showing the intent that they want to cross, a driver would be required to yield to that pedestrian,” Trooper Steve said. “This is why the crosswalks are there. Mid-crosswalks are installed to allow more pedestrians to commute and not have to travel great distances to larger intersections.”
He added that it’s extremely important that a driver is always paying attention and yields when appropriate.
“Something to remember for our pedestrians: Always look both ways before crossing any roadway,” Trooper Steve said. “Just because you may have the right of way, it is still critical that you wait for the driver to yield to you. This is not a game that you want to try to win.”
If you have a question for Trooper Steve, submit it here.
For more Ask Trooper Steve content, click or tap here.
[VIEW PREVIOUS Ask Trooper Steve IN VIDEO PLAYER BELOW]