Crosswalk Safety

Crosswalks - Pedestrians and Vehicles Obligation to both use Due Care

MYTH: “As a pedestrian, I always have the right of way over motor vehicles."

It is important to make sure you use marked intersections to cross safely. If you are at an intersection that does not have a crossing light, the best practice is to show you would like to cross by placing one foot into the road (this is called breaking the plane) and waiting for traffic to stop before you enter the roadway. 

Jogger in Crosswalk

A pedestrian can't just walk out in front of a vehicle approaching without some notice. All too often, we see this with people out exercising. Joggers approach a corner or crosswalk and continue to run across the street as vehicles approach. Although runners don't like to interrupt their workouts, it's important to note; vehicles most likely can't stop in time when the runner suddenly appears in front of them. It's much safer for a pedestrian to stop in an attempt to ensure the motorist can visually see you.

Crosswalk https://www.dailycamera.com/2019/09/15/community-questions-bike-safety-for-children-following-crash-in-north-boulder/

Bicyclist also have an obligation to use “Due Care” and follow the rules of the road when riding their bicycles on State Highways and/or Public Streets.  Bicycles, skateboards and scooters are prohibited by Carlton City Ordinance to ridden on the sidewalks along Main Street between Pine St. and Yamhill Street.  The primary purpose that these activities are prohibited on the sidewalk downtown is to prevent injury to individuals coming out of businesses and unsuspectingly colliding into them.   

Let's all do our part to help keep our community safe! Please contact the Carlton Police Department at 503-852-3805 and/or [email protected] if you have any additional questions. 

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