Pedestrian accidents occur all the time in New Mexico. While crosswalk laws are in place, these incidents still happen. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,522 pedestrians were killed and more than 67,000 pedestrians injured in 2022.
Both pedestrians and drivers need to be aware of the rules of the road. Otherwise, it could lead to tragic consequences. So, what are the New Mexico pedestrian crosswalk laws? We will take a deeper look into the statute that is meant to keep everyone safe on and off the road.
Pedestrian Right of Way
Like most states, New Mexico gives pedestrians the right of way at a marked or unmarked crosswalk under N.M. Stat. § 66-7-334. Painted lines will define marked crosswalks. You can usually find them at intersections or mid-block locations. On the other hand, unmarked crosswalks are located at most intersections. They are legally recognized as areas where pedestrians may cross.
At any crosswalk, drivers must yield to pedestrians. In situations where a pedestrian is already within the crosswalk, vehicles are required to stop and allow them to cross safely. As long as pedestrians follow traffic signals or crossing laws, they are provided the right of way.
Crossing at Controlled Intersections
In intersections that have traffic signals, the pedestrian must obey them. They should only cross when a “walk” signal is displayed. Sometimes, the light can change when the pedestrian is in the crosswalk. In these cases, they are allowed to finish walking to the other side. If they happen to start crossing on the “don’t walk” sign, then the pedestrian is not legally allowed to walk. In some cases, this failure to comply with the signal can lead to a citation for jaywalking.
What To Do at Uncontrolled Locations?
Sometimes, you may have to cross a street without designated spaces for pedestrians. What to do in these situations? If a pedestrian is at a point other than a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, they must yield the right-of-way to vehicles.
Remember that pedestrians are prohibited from suddenly leaving a curb or other safe place and entering the path of a vehicle. Also, pedestrians may not cross intersections diagonally unless specifically authorized by traffic control devices.
How To Handle School Zones and Crosswalks
Special rules apply to school zones. There are lower speed limits in these areas, and enhanced signage is used to protect children. Drivers must reduce their speed and stop for pedestrians at crosswalks within these zones. Crossing guards have the authority to stop traffic to allow children to cross safely. All drivers are required to comply with their signals.
Are There Any Penalties for Violations?
New Mexico drivers and pedestrians who fail to abide by these laws can face a few penalties. For example, drivers who do not yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or violate other pedestrian-related traffic laws may face fines, license points, or even suspension in serious cases. Additional penalties, including criminal charges, may apply if a violation leads to an accident.
Pedestrians must also observe the laws. They may be subject to citations and fines if they fail to follow crosswalk rules by jaywalking. Additionally, in the event of an accident, failing to adhere to crosswalk laws can impact liability in insurance or legal proceedings.
Keeping Drivers and Pedestrians Safe
If you are a driver, you need to be always alert. You will want to keep an eye out near schools, residential areas, and busy intersections. When you come across a crosswalk, make sure to never stop within it or block it with your vehicle. Finally, you may want to slow down and use extra caution in bad weather or at night when pedestrians are harder to see.
Pedestrians need to always cross at marked or unmarked crosswalks when possible.
If you want to stay safe and legal, follow the “walk” and “don’t walk” signals when crossing. Additionally, sometimes pedestrians can be hard to see on the road. With that in mind, wear bright or reflective clothing at night and make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you.
Pedestrian accidents happen all the time. And most of the time, they could have been prevented by following the laws.
Whether you’re behind the wheel or walking across the street, everyone needs to follow New Mexico’s crosswalk laws. In the event that you have been injured in an accident, you have legal options. At Barrera Law Group LLC, we can assist and hold those negligent drivers accountable for causing an accident.