by Zayed Al-Sayyed

Pedestrian AccidentsMay 8, 20240 comments

Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right-of-Way in Arizona?

While the general consensus is that pedestrians always have the right-of-way in Arizona, this isn’t true. Like motorists, pedestrians must also abide by specific roadway rules and regulations. Failure to abide by the necessary regulations can result in deadly accidents.

In this article, we’ll cover the Arizona right-of-way rules that you need to know, including when to yield and the laws cyclists are subject to. If you are still unsure about the pedestrian laws you should follow, contact a team member today.

Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right-of-Way in Arizona?

No, pedestrians do not always have the right-of-way in Arizona. For one, Arizona Statute 28-793 makes it illegal to cross a roadway outside of a crosswalk or other designated walkway. This includes jaywalking and crossing without the proper traffic signals.

Arizona Statue 28-792 also requires that pedestrians do not suddenly leave any curb or place of safety. This means that pedestrians cannot spontaneously cross a roadway without giving drivers enough time to yield. Drivers usually have the right-of-way unless indicated by a traffic signal.

When Do Pedestrians Need to Yield to Drivers in Arizona?

Arizona pedestrians should yield to drivers at intersections, waiting for the driver to come to a complete stop. Failure to yield to drivers in Arizona, even when the pedestrian has the right-of-way, results in accidents.

The driver could be under the influence, speeding, or distracted driving, all of which contribute to the inability to stop. By yielding to the driver, you are protecting yourself from a potential accident.

The same is true for drivers. If a pedestrian is jaywalking or crossing an intersection outside of the designated crosswalk, you need to yield even when you do have the right-of-way. Taking a proactive approach to preventing accidents is a must for Arizona pedestrians and drivers.

Are Cyclists Considered Pedestrians in Arizona?

Determining the right-of-way rules for cyclists can be complex. Some cyclists have motorized bikes, which creates a hybrid between pedestrians and motorists. Arizona law differentiates between the two based on where the cyclist is driving.

Cyclists who use the road are considered motorists, while cyclists on the sidewalk are considered pedestrians. In Arizona, cyclists are free to choose where they ride unless there is a local ordinance in place, like in Tuscan.

When riding on the road, cyclists need to follow all of the same rules as motorists, including the direction of travel. In addition, hand signals are also required when changing lanes or crossing intersections.

Finding a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Arizona

Have you been the victim of a pedestrian accident in Arizona? Whether you are a motorist or a pedestrian, it’s important that you have the proper representation when working through the next steps after an accident in Arizona.

Our team at The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed can help you decipher Arizona’s pedestrian rules, giving you tangible information on what comes next. Reach out to a team member today to learn more about getting started.