Chief’s Corner By Chief Steven J. Wojnar Dudley Police Department At a local grocery store recently, I was asked a question about pedestrians crossing roads at traffic signals. Can a pedestrian cross at this intersection whenever they wish, similar to a crosswalk which is not located at an intersection? I was asked to provide some information on this. Guidance on cross walk procedures is provided in both local traffic regulations and Massachusetts Law 720CMR9.09. Pedestrians are not supposed to suddenly leave a sidewalk or island and walk or run into the path of a vehicle under any circumstances. At most traffic signals, push buttons are in place for pedestrians to utilize. Using these devices will change the signal at the next available cycle of the light and provide opportunities to cross the intersection safely. Pedestrians are not supposed to cross unless the appropriate “Walk” signal is activated. When there is no traffic signal in place for a crosswalk, Mass General Laws Chapter 89 Section 11 applies. It states in part, “When traffic control signals are not in place or not in operation the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right of way, slowing down or stopping if need be so to yield, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk marked in accordance with standards established by the department of highways…” The laws address crosswalks in areas with or without traffic signals. When you consider the reason why a traffic light is at a particular intersection, it is safe to assume there is a large volume of traffic or it is simply a dangerous location. The light is necessary for safety purposes. When everything works as it is supposed to, both vehicle and pedestrian traffic will pass through smoothly and many accidents and injuries can be prevented. Should an accident occur, it is likely the vehicle driver will not be at fault if the pedestrian is crossing counter to the signal. Of course determining responsibility is never “etched in stone.” Prior to any final disposition, the entire case will be reviewed to confirm what actually occurred. The possibility of other contributing factors, such as speed, must also be taken into consideration. It is important for both pedestrians and drivers to be aware of the rules surrounding crosswalks. As always, everyone must share the road. Pedestrians must be aware of the vehicles in the area (especially those making turns) and drivers must pay attention to the presence of pedestrians at various locations. By taking a little extra care in these places, road crossings can be made safely and accidents and injuries can be minimized. Our department is in the final stages of collecting Christmas gift donations for local families in need. New and unwrapped toys and clothing can be brought to the Dudley Police Department at 71 West Main Street. Of particular need in the past were gifts for children between the ages of 10 – 17 years old. Monetary donations are also accepted. Checks should be made payable to the “Dudley Police Association” with a special note for the Holiday Drive. The Dudley Police thanks everyone in advance for their continued generosity. Distributions will be made in the very near future. Anything you can give will help bring some happiness to those who would otherwise go without during this holiday season. Thanks again for your questions and comments. Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St. Dudley, Ma. 01571 or email at HYPERLINK mailto:swojnar@dudleypolice swojnar@dudleypolice. Opinions expressed in this weekly column are those of Chief Wojnar only and unless clearly noted, do not reflect the ideas or opinions of any other organization or citizen.
Posted on: Sun, 14 Dec 2014 14:37:18 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015