What You Need to Know About Oregon Crosswalk Laws February 05, 2021
Be Prepared
Oregon’s laws affect pedestrians, too. Pedestrians are required to obey traffic signals and walk safely. But, pedestrians are unprotected and vulnerable. You, as the driver, can prevent a life-changing crash by being prepared to stop and yield no matter who has the right of way.
What’s the Problem?
In Oregon, from 2009 to 2013, 798 pedestrians on average were injured and 52 were killed in motor vehicle crashes each year.
• The majority of pedestrian involved motor vehicle crashes are a result of the failure of drivers to yield to the pedestrian.
• A quarter of pedestrians who are struck by vehicles are hit while they are in a crosswalk.
• Pedestrians are always the loser. Studies show that a pedestrian hit at 40 mph has an 85% chance of dying.
Always remember – pedestrians and motorists both share in the responsibility for pedestrian safety.
What’s the Law?
A crosswalk exists at any public street intersection, whether marked with paint or unmarked. Crosswalks also exist between intersections (mid-block) only if they are marked with white painted
lines.
Under Oregon law, a pedestrian is crossing the roadway in a crosswalk when any part or extension of the pedestrian, including but not limited to any part of the pedestrian’s body, wheelchair, cane, crutch or bicycle, moves into the roadway in a crosswalk with the intent to proceed.
A driver has specific duties to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
When turning at a traffic signal:
• Stop and remain stopped for pedestrians until they have cleared the lane into which your vehicle is turning and at least six feet of the next lane. At any other crosswalks—whether marked with paint or unmarked.
• Stop and remain stopped for pedestrians until they have cleared the lane in which you are traveling (or into which you are turning) and the next lane.
• Stop and remain stopped for students as you are directed by a crossing guard.
• Stop and remain stopped for a blind pedestrian using a white cane or a guide dog until the pedestrian is completely across the roadway.
If a driver fails to stop for a pedestrian crossing with a traffic control device or crossing in a crosswalk, the driver may be cited for a fine over $250.
