'Pedestrians
do not have right of way'
By
Jensen LaVende
Story Created:
Aug 16, 2012 at 11:54 PM ECT
Story Updated:
Aug 16, 2012 at 11:54 PM ECT
PEDESTRIANS, you do not have the right of way on the nation's roads.
This was the clear warning issued by public information officer of the Police Service Sgt Wayne Mystar yesterday during the daily police press briefing.
Mystar dismissed the local myth that the "pedestrian is always right", saying legally on the roadway the driver has the right of way. He cautioned both pedestrians and motorists alike to be careful while on the roadways.
"Firstly you have to take into consideration caution, the pedestrian owes it to himself to be cautious of where he is crossing. In addition to that the driver must exercise caution because at the end of the day you don't want to have an argument over who's right and someone dies and ends up dying right," Mystar said.
Asked about the penalties for pedestrians who violate the laws, Mystar said the ultimate penalty for crossing when you are not supposed to cross is death but as it relates to the law he was unsure and promised to furnish that information at a later date.
"Every pedestrian on a zebra crossing has precedence over any vehicle where the pedestrian came unto the zebra crossing prior to the vehicle.We would also like to appeal to pedestrians to use the walk-over in areas where they are provided. It is for your safety and it can save your life," Mystar said.
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