While motorists have a duty to follow all traffic rules properly, including pedestrian crossing signs, they are not always at fault when involved in a collision with a pedestrian. Pedestrian accidents are often complex; in most cases, a pedestrian accident lawyer should be contacted. At James H. Brown and Associates, we’re passionate about prevention and awareness when it comes to reducing the risks on the road, especially where pedestrian-involved collisions are concerned. As a proud partner of MADD and other community initiatives designed to protect Albertans in and out of the vehicle, we offer the following advice when it comes to staying safe while commuting.
Alberta’s Pedestrian Signs and Signals
Whether you’re a pedestrian crossing the street or a driver on the road, you must be familiar with pedestrian safety. When crossing at designated intersections, pedestrians should use marked signals to alert traffic to your intent to indicate they need to slow down. Be sure to cross ONLY when the lights/sounds indicate it is safe to do so, and always keep an eye out for drivers who may not have noticed you crossing. When the yellow lights are flashing, motorists must reduce their speed to 30 km/h and come to a complete stop when pedestrians are crossing. It’s the responsibility of both the driver and the pedestrian to abide by the traffic signals to ensure the safety of everyone.
Edmonton’s Pedestrian Crossings
When driving in Edmonton, it is important to note that while not all crossings are marked, motorists must always abide by the rules of the Traffic Safety Act to ensure pedestrian safety at all intersections. When a pedestrian indicates their intention to cross the street at any intersection, vehicles must come to a complete stop before the intersection to allow them to cross safely. As a driver, you must always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians when they enter a marked or unmarked crossing. Whether yielding the right-of-way or waiting for a pedestrian to cross, stopping your vehicle about two to three car lengths back of the intersection prevents you from blocking vehicles in other lanes from see the pedestrian crossing and allows them extra time to be cautious or stop. You can learn more about Edmonton’s pedestrian crossing here.
Important: Drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians can be ticketed and fined $575.
Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Edmonton
One of the major causes of most severe pedestrian accidents in Edmonton is from drivers not yielding to the correct right of way. Distracted driving or speeding also increases the severity of all crashes and can sometimes result in fatality. If you’re a victim of a pedestrian accident, seeking legal advice from an experienced team like James H. Brown and Associates is one of the best ways to protect yourself and ensure you are able to receive the compensation you need to recover. Soft tissue injuries, major ailments, and neurological issues resulting from an accident can significantly affect your quality of life, and knowing you have the support you need to pursue legal compensation is essential for peace of mind.
Get the Compensation You Deserve with James H. Brown and Associates
James H. Brown and Associates have been helping accident victims since 1993 understand their legal rights and attain the justice they deserve. With 250 years of combined personal injury experience and a proven track record getting Albertans the largest motor vehicle injury settlements, James H. Brown and Associates will help you receive the compensation you deserve.