(1) The operator of an approaching vehicle shall stop and remain stopped to allow a pedestrian or bicycle to cross the roadway within an unmarked or marked crosswalk when the pedestrian or bicycle is upon or within one lane of the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling or onto which it is turning. For purposes of this section "half of the roadway" means all traffic lanes carrying traffic in one direction of travel, and includes the entire width of a one-way roadway.
(2) No pedestrian or bicycle shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk, run, or otherwise move into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to stop.
(3) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply under the conditions stated in RCW 46.61.240(2).
(4) Whenever any vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian or bicycle to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass such stopped vehicle.
Importance Of Understanding Washington's Pedestrian Laws
Pedestrian accidents can be extremely devastating to both the accident victim and the at-fault driver, because the likelihood of serious injuries to pedestrians is extremely high. A person in a crosswalk is essentially defenseless against a multi-ton motor vehicle and these types of accidents often happen without any warning to the pedestrian.
Davis Law Group, P.S. founder and experienced pedestrian accident lawyer Chris Davis has represented numerous pedestrian accident victims in his 20 years as an attorney in Washington State.
Call our office in Seattle at 206-727-4000 or contact us if you would like to have your pedestrian accident claim reviewed by an experienced team of legal professionals.
