Oregon Pedestrian Laws
In this post, we will go over some of Oregon's pedestrian laws, and we will discuss how they may impact a personal injury matter. It should be noted that our personal injury page goes over the importance of having liability determined in your favor. Oregon's pedestrian laws cover topics such as appropriate responses to traffic control devices. They also cover other topics such as when a pedestrian or a car has the right-of-way. Breaking the law has serious impacts on determining is at-fault when an incident occurs. An experienced Oregon pedestrian accident attorney will know how an insurance company will try to use these laws against you. Pedestrians and drivers have certain rights and responsibilities. Know what yours are.
If you have been injured by a motor vehicle as a pedestrian, an experienced and knowledgeable pedestrian accident attorney can help look out for your best interests. At Johnson Law we will take your needs into consideration and keep you educated and informed on your matter. Call now (971) 205-3266 for a free consultation. Alternatively, read on to learn more about Oregon's pedestrian Laws.
Appropriate Responses To Traffic Control Devices
Oregon Pedestrian Laws | ORS 814.010
ORS 814.010 establishes the appropriate responses for a pedestrian to traffic control devices. When a pedestrian is in violation of this statute they may be subject to the penalty stated in ORS 814.020. There are other potential repercussions for not following ORS 814.010. You may be found liable for an accident if you do not follow this law. This could affect your potential financial recovery. One of the most common ways this happens is walking through a crosswalk when the control signal says to "wait" or "don't walk".
"A pedestrian shall not start to cross the roadway in the direction of a signal showing a “Wait” or “Don’t Walk” or any other symbol approved under ORS 810.200 (Uniform standards for traffic control devices) and 810.210 (Placement and control of traffic control devices) indicating that the pedestrian may not proceed. A pedestrian who has started crossing a roadway on a signal showing “Walk” or any other approved symbol to proceed shall proceed with dispatch to a sidewalk or safety island while a signal is showing “Wait” or “Don’t Walk” or any other approved symbol indicating not to proceed."
ORS 814.010 (6) (b)
This is important for when someone believes the way is clear and crosses a road despite a control signal directing otherwise. It is your responsibility to follow the directions of the control signal. However, just because you broke this particular law doesn't mean you are fully liable for a pedestrian accident. This is especially true when a vehicle's operator also broke a law.
Failure to Stop and Remain Stopped for Pedestrian
Oregon Pedestrian Laws | ORS 811.028
This is one of the most important laws to know as a driver. This statute describes when a driver has failed to stop and remain stopped for a pedestrian. Many drivers break this statute every day. It is a common misconception that you can continue driving through once a pedestrian has left your lane of traffic. The law clearly states that under normal circumstances you must wait until pedestrians have cleared lanes adjacent to the lane in which you are traveling or turning into. Additionally, with respect to this law, sections such as bike lanes and parking spaces are considered to be part of a lane of travel. Many drivers, and perhaps even most, simply wait for a pedestrian to clear their lane of travel before continuing.
Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device
Oregon Pedestrian Laws | ORS 814.020
ORS 811.020 is a statute covering the offense of a pedestrian's failure to obey traffic control devices. An interesting and important note is that there is an exemption to the requirements of this statute when a pedestrian is following the directions of a police officer. The violation is classified as a Class D traffic violation. You can see how a class D violation is defined in Oregon law here. Although not specifically called "jaywalking", this is part of what could be thought of as "Oregon's Jaywalking Law". Jaywalking occurs when a pedestrian walks in or crosses a roadway that has traffic, other than at a suitable crossing point, or otherwise in disregard of traffic rules.
At Johnson Law we will take your needs into consideration and keep you educated and informed on your matter. Call now (971) 205-3266 for a free consultation.
