Increased traffic in Bismarck and recent traffic incidents at intersections are cause for concern and a good time to re-educate drivers and pedestrians about the “Rules of the Road” as vehicles approach intersections, pedestrians and crosswalks.

City ordinance specifically addresses vehicles approaching or entering intersections. To prevent both vehicle and pedestrian crashes at intersections, drivers need to slow down, watch for pedestrians and approach any uncontrolled intersection with caution. If two vehicles enter an intersection on or about the same time, the obligation is on the vehicle to the left to yield to the vehicle on the right. If a vehicle is approaching from the passenger side drivers should have the expectation to yield. Drivers must remember to drive defensively.

City ordinance also addresses pedestrians' right-of-way in crosswalks. 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 to yield, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.

Double parking, blocking crosswalks, parking in no parking zones and bus stops, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, speeding and careless driving all create dangerous situations for citizens. Children and pedestrians aren’t always as careful as they should be. They don’t always watch for you, so you must to watch for them. With everyone’s attention, we can make intersections safer for both drivers and pedestrians.

View Pedestrian Safety video in the link below.