Pedestrians at Kentucky crosswalks with traffic signals are instructed to obey the signals, such as Walk/Don’t Walk signs. When drivers encounter pedestrians at intersections without traffic signals, motorists are required to yield to pedestrians, slow down upon spotting someone on foot, and be prepared to stop if necessary.
These laws should be followed, but drivers are always expected to show pedestrians a special “duty of care.” Even if a pedestrian is breaking the law and crossing in the middle of the street, motorists should always slow down, and be prepared to stop, when they see those on foot approaching the street or in the street.
This additional responsibility for drivers is due to the extreme vulnerability of pedestrians when they must pass in front of heavy, fast-moving vehicles. Drivers must always take action to avoid striking someone on foot no matter where they encounter them.
When Do I Need to Yield to Pedestrians in Kentucky?
Pedestrians ready to cross intersections in Louisville, Lexington, or anywhere else in Kentucky must obey the Walk/Don’t Walk signs.
Kentucky Statute KRS 189.570
“(1) Pedestrians shall obey the instruction of any official traffic control devices specifically applicable to them, unless otherwise directed by a police officer or other officially designated persons.”
When traffic signals for pedestrians aren’t present, the driver is then responsible for the safety of those on foot. This would mean the right-of-way is given to any pedestrian in a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
“(4) When traffic control signals are not in place or in operation the operator of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.”
Pedestrians shouldn’t cross the street where no crosswalks exist, but if they do, they must yield the right-of-way to drivers.
“(6) (a) Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at a point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.”
The statute also make it clear that drivers approaching a vehicle that has stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross the street should never pass the stopped vehicle. This action can greatly increase the chances of a pedestrian collision.
Always Yield to a Blind Pedestrian in Kentucky
Always slow down if you see a blind pedestrian nearing an intersection and be prepared to stop to guarantee safe travel for the person on foot.
“Yielding right-of-way to blind pedestrian. The operator of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to any blind pedestrian carrying a clearly visible white cane or accompanied by an assistance dog”
Contact a Kentucky Pedestrian Accident Lawyer After a Collision
If you have been seriously injured in a collision caused by a careless distracted driver, contact a Kentucky Pedestrian Accident Lawyer to schedule a free and confidential consultation. We help victims and their families earn the money they need to fully recover in Lexington, Louisville, and across the entire state.
There’s no obligation for this free case review. However, if you need our help to earn more for your recovery, you won’t need any money to hire us. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee is paid out of the settlement money a car insurance company must provide to you.