Jaywalking isn’t seen as a serious crime. In some areas of the country, it’s the expected way to cross a street! That doesn’t mean it’s safe though. Every year, pedestrians die in crashes because they didn’t cross at a marked crosswalk.
It may be further to walk, but crossing the street at a crosswalk has several advantages. First, you may have the help of traffic lights to tell other cars to stop and to know when to cross safely. Second, it can protect you against liability if you’re hit in a marked crosswalk and walking with the lights. Insurance will be more inclined to pay for your injuries if you were following the road rules.
Sadly, one pedestrian in Gainesville has paid the ultimate price after crossing a busy road outside of the crosswalk. The AJC reported on the story. This morning, the intersection at McEver Road and Browns Bridge Road was closed for three hours after a fatal crash involving a pedestrian. The police report stated that the victim was not crossing at a crosswalk.
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The driver stayed on the scene as required by law and gave a report. Police are not anticipating any charges against the driver, though the investigation is still ongoing. The area is surrounded by businesses, so traffic was backed up for the morning rush hour. Drivers were urged to take different routes.
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