One of the major issues in Kentucky is that there are many people in relatively small areas. In cities, there are lots of people, but then the surrounding area is a stark contrast of countryside. Since people are living close together for the most part, there is a higher risk of getting into crashes and causing injuries to pedestrians, particularly in cities like Lexington and Frankfort.
Another major problem is that there are large interstates that pass through and connect these areas. They’re corridors for transportation vehicles and commercial trucks, making them particularly hazardous. Pedestrians, even those who are Good Samaritans stopping to help those stalled on highways, have to be extremely careful not to get hit.
Pedestrian laws in Kentucky keep pedestrians safer
There are pedestrian laws you should know about to keep yourself as safe as possible. For example, did you know that if there are no traffic control signals, drivers are supposed to give pedestrians space, yield and slow when they see them? This is encouraged because of the risk pedestrians are in if they’re hit.
However, keep in mind that it is your job as a pedestrian to yield to the right-of-way of all vehicles on roads if you’re trying to cross somewhere other than a crosswalk or unmarked crosswalk. Some states consider this jaywalking, which could put you at fault if you’re hit.
Operators of vehicles are meant to yield to those on sidewalks, and they should be aware of those who may be on the shoulder of highways. Pedestrians should stay as far from the edge of the roadway as practical if they’re on a roadway shoulder for any reason. Pedestrians are also meant only to walk on the left side of the roadway when it’s practical.
Interestingly, Kentucky law specifically protects blind pedestrians against traffic crashes by making it a law for drivers to yield to a blind pedestrian with a seeing eye dog or white cane at any time. Keep in mind that these pedestrians may be unable to tell where they are crossing or if crossing is safe at that time. They rely heavily on their tools to make sure they can get across safely, so drivers can assist by slowing or yielding to these pedestrians.
If you’re hit as a pedestrian, remember that these laws may help you when you file a claim against the driver. Both pedestrians and drivers need to do more to watch out for one another.
