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Key Takeaways

An intersection can be a legal crosswalk even without painted lines, so drivers should be ready to yield to pedestrians at every intersection.
Distracted walking caused by mobile phone use is a common factor in pedestrian incidents in urban areas.
Drivers should wait until a pedestrian has fully cleared their lane before moving forward.
Crosswalk lights and signals help reduce pedestrian accidents in high-traffic areas.
Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility: both drivers and pedestrians must remain alert, obey signals, and avoid distractions.

Crosswalk Safety in Atlantic Canada: Protecting Pedestrians and Drivers

Accidents involving pedestrians at crosswalks can have devastating consequences, and in Atlantic Canada, these incidents are more common than many realize. Pedestrian injuries remain a significant cause of hospital visits and deaths in the region.

To help protect both pedestrians and drivers, here are essential crosswalk safety guidelines reinforced by regional laws.

Pedestrian Safety Tips

1. Know Your Rights, but Stay Aware

Under Nova Scotia’s Motor Vehicle Act, pedestrians have the right of way at marked crosswalks and unmarked crosswalks at intersections. However, when crossing outside these areas, it is the pedestrian's duty to yield to vehicles.

When a driver fails to yield at a crosswalk, the pedestrian is often the one seriously hurt. Sticking to marked crosswalks gives pedestrians better visibility and stronger legal protection.

2. Stay Vigilant Even with Right of Way

Although laws grant pedestrians the right of way, not all drivers stop. Many crosswalk collisions involve distracted drivers. Always make eye contact and check both directions, even when you have the right of way.

3. Avoid Distractions

Keeping your eyes up and removing headphones is essential. Distracted walking, often caused by mobile phone use, is a common factor in pedestrian incidents in urban areas. Staying fully attentive can help you notice vehicles that might be approaching too quickly or failing to yield.

4. Make Eye Contact with Drivers

Eye contact helps ensure that drivers are aware of your presence. In Nova Scotia and other provinces, laws emphasize pedestrian caution even when crossing in designated areas, highlighting that making eye contact can reduce the risk of accidents.

Road safety campaigns often remind pedestrians to make eye contact with drivers for exactly this reason.

5. Activate Crosswalk Lights Where Available

In many Atlantic Canadian cities, crosswalks are equipped with flashing lights to signal pedestrian presence. Push the button to activate these lights before stepping into the street, especially at night.

Crosswalk lights and signals help reduce the risk of pedestrian accidents, especially in high-traffic areas.

Driver Safety Tips

1. Recognize Every Intersection as a Crosswalk

An intersection can be a legal crosswalk even when it has no painted lines. Treat every intersection as a crosswalk and be ready to yield to pedestrians.

Unmarked crosswalks at intersections are easy for drivers to overlook, which puts pedestrians at risk.

2. Yield Right of Way to Pedestrians

It is mandatory across Atlantic Canada to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. In Prince Edward Island, failure to yield can result in fines and demerit points.

Drivers who fail to yield at a crosswalk can be held responsible for the injuries they cause.

3. Constantly Scan for Pedestrians

Drivers are encouraged to actively scan sidewalks and curbs as they approach crosswalks.

Drivers who actively scan intersections for pedestrians react faster and are less likely to cause a collision.

4. Avoid Parking Too Close to Crosswalks

Avoid parking close to a crosswalk, and follow posted no-parking signs. Parking too close obscures pedestrians from view, increasing the risk of an accident.

5. Wait Until the Pedestrian Has Fully Crossed

Wait until the pedestrian has fully cleared your lane before moving forward. Waiting ensures the pedestrian is safely out of the vehicle’s path.

This is especially critical in school zones and busy urban areas like Fredericton’s downtown core, where pedestrian traffic is high.

Shared Responsibility for Crosswalk Safety

In Atlantic Canada, pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility. While pedestrians must remain cautious and avoid unexpected movements, drivers are also tasked with remaining vigilant and obeying right-of-way laws.

By following these guidelines, drivers and pedestrians alike can help reduce the incidence of crosswalk-related accidents and create safer streets for everyone.

Helping Injured Clients

For over 35 years, CLG Injury Lawyers have helped thousands of injured clients. We fight for your rights to receive the maximum compensation you deserve. Providing you the Peace of Mind to focus on your Road to Recovery. Our experienced personal injury lawyers offer a free, no obligation case evaluation. Contact us today to speak with a lawyer.

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