Pedestrian Safety
We live in an ever increasing motorized society where being a pedestrian can be very risky. According to Minnesota Crash Facts, published by the Minnesota Department of Safety nearly 3 1/2% of pedestrians related crashed result in death compared to 1/2% of all other crashes.
The main contributing factor in pedestrian crashes is driver inattention or distraction, followed closely by the failure to yield the right of way to pedestrians. We also know that pedestrians need to exercise caution when they move through an intersection and put themselves at risk when they dart into the street without paying attention to traffic around them.
In 1996 the Minnesota Legislature passed a law requiring motorists to yield the right of way to pedestrians in a crosswalk, marked with traffic control devices, or unmarked. The driver if the motor vehicle must remain stopped until the pedestrian has passed through the lane in which the vehicle is stopped. The Legislature also increased the penalty for violations.
In May, 2002, the Winona Police Department will increase it's efforts in the education and enforcement of the pedestrian laws. There will be presentations to senior citizens, students, and the community through news releases. We will also be monitoring many intersections in the City watching for violators.
The City of Winona and Winona State University encourage all drivers and pedestrians to be respectful of the right of way of one another. That is the key to any programs effectiveness.
If you would like to learn more on crosswalk and pedestrian safety click on the link below: