It may be a shock to some drivers, but motor vehicles don't own the road. And they may be surprised to learn that Wisconsin law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in many situations. According to state law, drivers must:

• Yield to pedestrians who have started crossing an intersection or crosswalk on a walk signal or on a green light, if there's no walk signal.
  
  
• Yield to pedestrians who are crossing the road within a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection where there are no traffic lights or control signals.
  
  
• Yield to pedestrians when a vehicle is crossing a sidewalk or entering an alley or driveway.

In addition, drivers may not legally overtake and pass any vehicle that has stopped for pedestrians at an intersection or crosswalk.

Drivers who fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians who are legally crossing roadways may be issued citations that cost approximately $160 to $217 (depending on the type of violation) along with four demerit points assessed on their license. A citation for passing a vehicle that is stopped for a pedestrian costs $312 with three demerit points.

"To prevent crashes, drivers must obey the law and yield to pedestrians," said State Patrol Superintendent David Collins. "Drivers also must slow down and pay attention, so they can see and safely react to pedestrians crossing the road. Drivers should be especially alert in areas where children typically cross roads, such as near schools, parks and playgrounds and in residential neighborhoods. Pedestrians also must be cautious, and they should not suddenly move into the path of a vehicle that does not have sufficient time to yield."

Last year in Wisconsin, 56 pedestrians were killed and 1,372 were injured in traffic crashes.

Questions about the content of this page: Steve L. Olson