Drivers are required to stop and remain stopped for pedestrians in crosswalks.
Turning vehicles are required to stop for pedestrians, even on green lights
Crosswalks exist on all four corners of most intersections in Georgia- whether or not they are marked with painted lines.
Painted crosswalks sometimes exist mid-block as well.
In most places, crossing outside a crosswalk is legal.
But it may be unsafe.
Crossing outside a crosswalk is illegal only when the nearest intersections on both sides are controlled by traffic signals.
When crossing outside a crosswalk, pedestrians must yield the right of way to motorists.
Crossing the street outside a crosswalk and near it is dangerous. Turning drivers may not be able to see you.
Don’t be dead right.
Distracted driving is common. So, too, is aggressive driving. Don’t assume drivers will see you or obey crosswalk laws, speed limits or traffic signals.
Use an outstretched arm to make drivers know you intend to cross the street. It works.
Be sure drivers see you and are slowing down before you step into a crosswalk. On multi-lane streets, do the same before stepping into each of the next lanes.
Look over your shoulder to watch for turning vehicles.
Be safe. Be alert. Be seen.
On streets without sidewalks, walk facing traffic. And step off the road when cars are approaching.
Listening for approaching traffic increases safety. Avoid talking on cell phones, listening to music or texting while walking in the road or crossing streets.
Many signalized intersections have left turn arrows. Stepping into the road prior to the beginning of the “WALK” phase may put you in conflict with turning vehicles.
Pushing buttons on signal poles activates pedestrian signals and increases the amount of crosswalk time.
The flashing “DON’T WALK” or upraised hand on pedestrian signals warns you that it’s too late to start crossing. If you’re already in the crosswalk, keep walking.
When walking after dark, wear light colored or reflective clothes or carry a flashlight.