Think you know when to stop and when to go at pedestrian crossings? Most drivers get this wrong

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If you’re behind the wheel you’re responsible to know the rules of the road: stay within the speed limit, buckle up, maintain a safe distance... but do you know what to do at pedestrian crossings?

So what are the rules?

The short answer is, pedestrians have the right-of-way.

When approaching a pedestrian crossing regulated by a traffic light, motorists are legally required to yield to allow people to cross.

In pedestrian crossings controlled by traffic lights, a green light does not give drivers the right-of-way over anyone already walking across. If a pedestrian has a walk signal and is in the crosswalk, motorists must stop and allow them to finish crossing before proceeding — even if the light has turned green for motorists to advance.

Turning left? Here’s what to do

Motorists turning left at a signalized intersection must yield not only to oncoming traffic, but also to pedestrians crossing the road they intend to turn onto. That means if someone is walking across the street while the driver is waiting to turn left, the driver must wait until the pedestrian has safely reached the other side.

Once a pedestrian has fully crossed the path of a left-turning driver at a traffic light-controlled intersection, the driver can proceed with the turn, assuming it is safe to do so.

Failing to yield to pedestrians can result in fines and demerit points under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act. In many cases, drivers could be charged with careless driving, a more serious offence that carries heavier penalties.

According to the Ministry of Transportation, the fine for failing to yield to a pedestrian at a crosswalk, school crossing or crossover is typically $365 and three demerit points. If the infraction results in bodily harm, the consequences can be significantly more severe.

Pedestrian safety

It’s also the pedestrian’s responsibility to be cautious. Safety experts recommend pedestrians to make eye contact with drivers and ensure vehicles are stopping before stepping into the road — even when they have the signal to walk.

Pedestrians are also responsible to cross only at marked crosswalks or crossovers, and to wait until traffic has fully stopped before entering the road.

The same rules apply for cyclists. Cyclists are also required to stop and yield the entire width of the roadway for pedestrians to make it across, according to the ministry. “Only when pedestrians and school crossing guards have crossed and are safely on the sidewalk can drivers and cyclists proceed.”