Statistically, Tennessee is one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians. Many of the accidents involving pedestrians are due to drunk driving or distracted driving. Sometimes, however, pedestrians fail to follow basic laws. According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) there are several pedestrian laws that residents of Tennessee are expected to follow. Many of these laws may not be well known or are simply disregarded. The following information discusses a few of these pedestrian laws.
1. Yielding the Right of Way to Vehicles
Under Tennessee law, pedestrians must yield the right of way to vehicles when they are trying to cross anywhere besides a designated intersection. Those walking may mistakenly believe that those driving will always give anyone on foot the right of way.
2. Staying on the Sidewalk
The state of Tennessee requires pedestrians to stay on a sidewalk if one is provided, and not walk along the roadway. If there isn’t a sidewalk, the individual walking should walk along the shoulder of the road as much as possible. The person walking is also required when on a road or highway to walk facing the direction of traffic.
3. Soliciting
While most people feel sorry for those standing in public roads asking for work or financial assistance, many probably don’t realize that it is illegal to do so in Tennessee. It is illegal to ask for employment, business opportunities, or any type of contributions while standing on a public street, highway, or even in an alley. This also includes trying to solicit a ride.
4. Obeying Pedestrian Signals
Pedestrian controlled signals such as “don’t walk” and “walk” signals may be some of the most commonly disregarded pedestrian laws. Some people will cross even if the signal says not to walk if they don’t see any traffic coming. Many pedestrians may not be aware that in Tennessee they are not to start crossing the street when the signal says to wait. Unfortunately, many individuals may see the “wait” signal as an opportunity to hurry and rush to the other side.
5. Jaywalking
Laws regarding jaywalking may seldom be enforced, but according to the Criminal Justice Degrees Guide jaywalking is in the top five of the laws most often broken. Some people consider jaywalking to include walking from one corner of an intersection to another, thus walking diagonally through traffic that is coming from all four directions. Jaywalking, however, is technically crossing the street anywhere at a place or time that is not legal.
6. Crossing in Front of a Vehicle
It is against the law to cross the street within ten feet in front of a vehicle that is in the process of dropping off passengers. This applies to any type of vehicle. There is an exception to this when a police officer is guiding pedestrians or a specific signal has indicated it is okay to cross.
7. Walking While Under the Influence
While being drunk in public in Tennessee is not a crime in itself, there are some stipulations for pedestrians. It is unlawful for a pedestrian to be walking on a highway when under the influence of drugs or alcohol to a degree that he or she is a hazard.
