Having recently investigated several crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists being struck by vehicles, the Odessa Police Department is reminding motorists to slow down and watch for pedestrians. Please see below for some safety reminders for both motorists and pedestrians.
Motorist Safety Reminders:
- Motorists must yield to pedestrians at marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
- Motorists must yield to pedestrians at non-intersection locations where a crosswalk is painted.
- Motorists must yield to pedestrians when pulling out of or into a driveway or alley.
- Motorists are not permitted to pass another vehicle that has stopped for a pedestrian crossing the street.
- Motorists must yield to pedestrians who have partially crossed the intersection, even if the “Don’t Walk” signal or “Wait” signal begins to display.
Pedestrian Safety Reminders:
- Pedestrians shall yield the right of way to all vehicles when crossing away from a crosswalk or not crossing at an intersection.
- Pedestrians must always follow traffic signals and signs when crossing the street.
- Pedestrians must use sidewalks if they are available. If no sidewalk is available, pedestrians should walk to the left as far as possible on the side of the street facing traffic.
- Pedestrians should always look both ways before crossing intersections and make eye contact with motorists before crossing the roadway.
