TRAFFIC SAFETY FOCUS
August 2008:

12.32.020 Crossing at right angles. (defined)

No pedestrian shall cross a roadway at any place other than by a route at right angles to the curb or by the shortest route to the opposite side, except that within the central traffic district when permitted by a pedestrian “walk” signal, a pedestrian may cross diagonally from one corner to any other corner at that intersection. (Prior code § 20-108)

12.32.030 Prohibited crossings. (defined)

1. Between adjacent intersections at which traffic-control signals are in operation, pedestrians shall not cross at any place except in a crosswalk.
2. No pedestrian shall cross a roadway other than in a crosswalk in the central traffic district or in any business district.
3. No pedestrian shall cross a roadway other than in a crosswalk upon any designated through street.
4. No pedestrian shall cross a roadway at a point where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided. (Prior code § 20-110)

§ 552.001.  TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS.

(a) A traffic control signal displaying green, red, and yellow lights or lighted arrows applies to a pedestrian as provided by this section unless the pedestrian is otherwise directed by a special pedestrian control signal.

(b) A pedestrian facing a green signal may proceed across a roadway within a marked or unmarked crosswalk unless the sole green signal is a turn arrow.

(c) A pedestrian facing a steady red signal alone or a steady yellow signal may not enter a roadway.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

§ 552.002.  PEDESTRIAN RIGHT-OF-WAY IF CONTROL SIGNAL PRESENT.

(a) A pedestrian control signal displaying "Walk," "Don't Walk," or "Wait" applies to a pedestrian as provided by this section.

(b) A pedestrian facing a "Walk" signal may proceed across a roadway in the direction of the signal, and the operator of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian.

(c) A pedestrian may not start to cross a roadway in the direction of a "Don't Walk" signal or a "Wait" signal.  A pedestrian who has partially crossed while the "Walk" signal is displayed shall proceed to a sidewalk or safety island while the "Don't Walk" signal or "Wait" signal is displayed.

§ 552.003.  PEDESTRIAN RIGHT-OF-WAY AT CROSSWALK.

(a) The operator of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing a roadway in a crosswalk if:

(b) no traffic control signal is in place or in operation;  and the pedestrian is:

(1) on the half of the roadway in which the vehicle is traveling;  or

(2) approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.

(c) Not withstanding Subsection (a), a pedestrian may not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and proceed into a crosswalk in the path of a vehicle so close that it is impossible for the vehicle operator to yield.

(d) The operator of a vehicle approaching from the rear of a vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk to permit a pedestrian to cross a roadway may not pass the stopped vehicle.

§ 552.005.  CROSSING AT POINT OTHER THAN CROSSWALK.

(a)  A pedestrian shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle on the highway if crossing a roadway at a place:

(1)  other than in a marked crosswalk or in an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection;  or

(2)  where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided.

(b)  Between adjacent intersections at which traffic control signals are in operation, a pedestrian may cross only in a marked crosswalk.

(c)  A pedestrian may cross a roadway intersection diagonally only if and in the manner authorized by a traffic control device.

§ 552.006.  USE OF SIDEWALK.

(a)  A pedestrian may not walk along and on a roadway if an adjacent sidewalk is provided and is accessible to the pedestrian

(b)  If a sidewalk is not provided, a pedestrian walking along and on a highway shall if possible walk on:

(1)  the left side of the roadway;  or

(2)  the shoulder of the highway facing oncoming traffic.

(c)  The operator of a vehicle emerging from or entering an alley, building, or private road or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian approaching on a sidewalk extending across the alley, building entrance or exit, road, or driveway.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 497, § 3, eff. June 11, 2001.

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