At a speed of only 25 mph, the average car needs 110 ft of distance to come to a complete stop.
That’s roughly the same length as four killer whales or one plump dragon, minus the fire breath.
Slow down and scan for pedestrians in areas of high foot-traffic, like residential neighborhoods, castle drawbridges, parks and schools.
Myth: It’s okay to pass a car that’s stopped at a green light
Until you know for sure that a car hasn’t stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk, it’s not okay to pass.
You never know what kind of creature could be lurking in front of a vehicle stopped at a green light.
Pedestrians always have the right of way at all intersections. Traffic must yield until they have crossed, even if the light is green.
Myth: Blindspots only exist on the interstate
Today’s vehicle safety features are great, but can lead to a false sense of security.
Moving pedestrians, especially children and smaller mythical creatures can be overlooked by vehicle sensors.
Scan all mirrors and cameras multiple times, but always look in the direction that the vehicle is traveling.
Myth: Crosswalks only exist at painted intersections
Crosswalks exist at every intersection, whether they are marked or not. All vehicles must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
Near schools, crosswalks have thick white bars instead of thin lines. At these intersections, pedestrians must be completely crossed before the car can proceed, even when the light is green.
At all other intersections, marked and unmarked, cars may proceed through the intersection if the light is green and the pedestrian is not on the vehicle’s half of the road.
Myth: Pedestrians are less likely to be out at night
Dusk, dawn and dark hours are the most dangerous times to drive through intersections.
Because of unpredictable light and weather conditions, it’s hard to see who might be lurking across the lane.
Nearly half of all Utah pedestrian fatalities occur between the hours of 6 p.m. and midnight.
Myth: Green means turn
Before turning right on green, check left for traffic, then right for pedestrians.
They could be coming towards you, or creeping right next to you.
Make sure no pedestrians are in the crosswalk as you turn.
Myth: It’s safe to check your phone at a stop light
When you’re driving it’s never safe to be distracted. At a stop light, watch for pedestrians who are trying to make the light and safely cross.
When you’re driving, drive. Focus on the road for your protection and the protection of pedestrians.
Talking and texting is a leading cause of distracted driving. Avoid the temptation and put away your phone when driving.
Utah Laws for Motorists
Yielding & Crosswalks
Yielding in Crosswalks: Motorists must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk on the motorist’s half of the roadway or if the pedestrian is fast approaching from the opposite half. No matter the number of lanes, vehicles need to yield. Take care as many times pedestrians are looking away for oncoming cars. (41-6a-1002)
Stop and Yield Signs: At a stop or yield sign, motorists must also yield to pedestrians in adjacent crosswalks. (41-6a-902)
School Crosswalks: The operator of a vehicle approaching a school crosswalk (ladder bar crosswalk) shall come to a complete stop if the crosswalk is occupied by a person. (41-6a-1002)
Passing Stopped Vehicles: Motorists cannot pass a vehicle that is stopped or yielding to a pedestrian in a crosswalk. (41-6a-1002)
Safe Distances & Vulnerable Pedestrians
The 3-Foot Rule: Motorists may not operate a vehicle within 3 feet of a pedestrian. (41-6a-706.5)
Harassment & Distraction: Motorists may not attempt to distract a pedestrian for the purpose of causing injury or forcing them off the roadway. (41-6a-706.5)
Active Avoidance: Motorists are required to actively avoid colliding with pedestrians, use their horn if necessary, and use extra caution around children or persons who are confused, intoxicated, or incapacitated. (41-6a-1006)
Visually Impaired Persons: Motorists must yield to visually impaired persons possessing a white cane or accompanied by a guide dog. Motorists are liable for loss or damage resulting from a failure to yield. (41-6a-1007)
Construction Zones: Motorists must yield to pedestrians in a highway construction zone or maintenance area. (41-6a-905)
Sidewalks, Driveways & Parking
Driveways & Alleys: When exiting from a driveway or alley, motorists are required to stop before crossing the sidewalk or sidewalk area. (41-6a-907)
Yielding on Sidewalks: Motorists are required to yield to all pedestrians and other traffic on a sidewalk. (41-6a-1008)
Prohibited Parking/Stopping: Stopping, standing, or parking vehicles on a sidewalk, safety zone, or crosswalk is prohibited. You may only stop a vehicle momentarily to pick up or drop off passengers within 20 feet of a crosswalk. (41-6a-1401)