Motorists – When Driving

Stop for Pedestrians. It’s the law.

At signalized intersections, yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks when they have the walk signal.

Stop for pedestrians at stop signs and flashing red lights, and yield to pedestrians at flashing yellow lights. See NC General Statute § 20-158 for information about traffic signals.

According to NC General Statute § 20-173, drivers must yield to pedestrians within the crosswalks at mid-block crossings with no traffic signal, and at unmarked crosswalks (wherever a sidewalk ends at an intersection and continues on the other side). Drivers entering or exiting alleys or driveways must yield to bicyclists and pedestrians. See more information about yielding at crosswalks.

Don’t Drive Distracted

Keep your eyes – and mind – on the road. Distracted driving accounts for over 18% of all collisions in North Carolina.

Give Bikes and Pedestrians 4 Feet of Passing Distance

According to NC General Statute § 20-150(e), you must keep a safe distance when passing a bicyclist or a pedestrian on or close to the roadway. It is perfectly legal to change lanes to do so. Even on a double yellow line.

Slow Down!

Remember that if you’re driving a 2-ton metal vehicle, it takes a lot of energy and a quick reaction time to stop something that heavy. Make it easier to stop by slowing down. Speeding accounts for 6% of all collisions and 25% of all crash fatalities in North Carolina. Speed limits are set in place for everyone’s safety.

Look Right Before You Turn Right

We are used to looking left before we make a right turn. Make a habit of looking right as well to look for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Also, vehicles turning left must yield to oncoming vehicles, which include bicycles. See NC General Statute § 20-155 regarding right of way.

Don’t Block the Crosswalk

A crosswalk is a buffer of protection for anyone not in a car. When coming to a red light or stop sign, your vehicle should be behind the crosswalk.

Bicyclists – When Biking

Be Predictable

Use hand signals and make eye contact with drivers. See more Rules of the Road.

Ride With Traffic

Cyclists should always ride on the right side of the street. NC General Statutes include bicycles in their definition of vehicles (§ 20-4.01(49)), so cyclists must obey the rules of the road; this also makes passing by motor vehicles easier and safer.

Wear a Helmet and Use Lights

Cyclists of all ages should always wear a helmet. When riding at night, your bicycle should be equipped with a white light in the front and a red light on the back, according to NC General Statute § 20-129(e).

Stay Alert

In order to hear sirens, vehicles, and be focused on your safety, limit or eliminate the use of headphones or ear buds while cycling.

Obey the Rules of The Road

Stop at red lights and yield to pedestrians. Bicyclists are not exempt from traffic laws. North Carolina law states that bicycles count as vehicles and bicyclists may use the full lane.

Practice Good Trail and Sidewalk Etiquette

If riding on a trail or sidewalk where permitted, be sure to yield to pedestrians. When passing others, use a bike bell or speak aloud to signal your approach. Pass respectfully, leaving enough distance, and dismounting your bike to walk when passing others or going through crosswalks if needed.

Pedestrians – When Walking

Cross In Expected Locations

Cross the street at an intersection or crosswalk when possible. If a signal is available, use it and wait for your turn to cross. Obey “walk” and “don’t walk” signs the same way drivers obey green and red lights. When not at an intersection or marked crosswalk, yield to all vehicles.

Make Eye Contact with Drivers

Be certain that a driver sees you. Don’t assume that because you can see them, the driver can see you.

Stay Alert

Pay attention to your surroundings at all times.  Make sure you can hear traffic, sirens, and others who may be passing you. When walking on a sidewalk or trail, keep right.

Make Yourself Visible

Don’t step out behind a parked vehicle. Wear bright colors and have a light at night. When walking along a street that has parking lot entrances or driveways, walk in manner in which you are most likely to be noticed by vehicles entering and exiting. According to NC General Statute § 20-173, drivers are required to yield to pedestrians when entering or exiting alleys and driveways, but make sure to make eye contact before crossing.

Use the Built Infrastructure

Always use sidewalks, signals, and crosswalks when available. This infrastructure is intended to keep you safe. If the sidewalk is on the opposite side of the street as your destination, use the sidewalk until you reach an appropriate place to cross. If there is no sidewalk, walk against traffic.

More Information about Crashes

Distracted driving was a factor in 14% of bicycle and pedestrian-involved crashes in our region over the last 5 years, and impairment by drugs/alcohol was a factor in 13% of bicycle and pedestrian-involved crashes. Remember to always pay attention to the road when behind the wheel, and never drive under the influence. If a person drives intoxicated and hits a bicyclist or a pedestrian, there is a 37% chance that the victim will be killed or seriously injured.

A common reason for bike/ped crashes is failure to yield to bicyclists and pedestrians. Remember to follow the safety tips above to keep everyone on the road safe. Over the last 5 years, 98 bicycle/pedestrian crashes in our region were attributed to failing to yield — at signals, stop signs, and other locations. 73 were attributed to driver inattention or distraction, and 26 crashes were attributed to excessive speed.

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