Our DLF Safety Paws want to remind pedestrians and drivers of the “Rules of the Road” as designated by the Texas State Legislature.
As both the conductor of a vehicle and a pedestrian, it is important to know the state traffic regulations and local ordinances of the place in which you preside in. The regulations for pedestrians and drivers in Texas are listed below.
Traffic Control Signal
A traffic control signal that displays green, red, and yellow lights or lighted arrows applies to both the driver and pedestrian, unless there is a special pedestrian control signal. A pedestrian facing a green signal may proceed across a roadway with a marked or unmarked crosswalk, unless the sole green signal is a turn arrow. A pedestrian facing a red or yellow signal may not enter a roadway.
Pedestrian Right-of-Way at Crosswalk
The operator of a vehicle shall yield the right-of –way to a pedestrian crossing a roadway if
1. No traffic control signal is in place or in operation
2. The pedestrian is on half of the roadway in which the vehicle is traveling or is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger
*A pedestrian may not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and proceed into a crosswalk in the path of a vehicle so close that it is impossible for the vehicle operator to yield.
Pedestrians Crossing at Points Other Than a Crosswalk
Pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to a vehicle on the highway if crossing a roadway at a place between adjacent intersections at which traffic control signals are in operation. The pedestrian may cross a roadway diagonally only if it is authorized by a traffic control device.
Use of a Sidewalk
A pedestrian may not walk along and on a roadway if an adjacent sidewalk is provided. If a sidewalk is not provided, a pedestrian walking along the highway shall walk of the left side of the roadway or the shoulder of the highway facing oncoming traffic. The operator of a vehicle emerging from or entering an alley, building, private road or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian approaching pm a sidewalk extending across the alley, building entrance or exit, road or driveway.
Drivers to Exercise Due Care
Drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian on a roadway. They should give warning by sounding the horn, when necessary, and by exercising proper precaution on observing a child or an obviously confused or incapacitated person on a roadway.
For further information visit the Texas Transportation Code