Chief’s Column: Keep an eye out for pedestrians in the crosswalk

I thought I would repost this crosswalk safety information now that more walkers are out in the nicer weather.

QUESTION: I do a lot of walking with my wife, usually on some of the main roads throughout the Town. I always try to cross the street at crosswalks because it’s supposed to be safe. Lately however, I’ve noticed that even though I am in the crosswalk, no one seems to stop. Could you tell me if it is still a state law to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk?

ANSWER: The answer to this question is YES. The driver of a motor vehicle approaching a crosswalk must come to a complete stop to let pedestrians cross. This issue is addressed both in the Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L.) and the Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR). Even though these laws have been in effect for a very long time, motorists seem to be in a hurry these days and do not always stop when they see someone in the crosswalk.

According to M.G.L. Chapter 89 Section 11, when traffic control signals are not in place or not in operation the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right of way, slowing down or stopping if need be so to yield, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a marked crosswalk if the pedestrian is on that half of the traveled part of the way on which the vehicle is traveling or if the pedestrian approaches from the opposite half of the traveled part of the way to within 10 feet of that half of the traveled part of the way on which said vehicle is traveling.

Also, no driver of a vehicle shall pass any other vehicle which has stopped at a marked crosswalk to permit a pedestrian to cross, nor shall any such operator enter a marked crosswalk while a pedestrian is crossing or until there is a sufficient space beyond the crosswalk to accommodate the vehicle he is operating, notwithstanding that a traffic control signal may indicate that vehicles may proceed.

The fine for failing to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk or passing a vehicle stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk is $205.00.

Pedestrians should always remember that even though they are in a marked crosswalk, not everyone stops, as they should. Pedestrians should always use caution when crossing the street, especially on busy roadways.

Anyone with questions for the Chief’s Column may submit them by mail to the Grafton Police Department, 28 Providence Road, Grafton, MA 01519. You may also email your questions or comments to chief@graftonpolice.com. Please include an appropriate subject line, as I do not open suspicious email for obvious reasons.

Chief Normand Crepeau