Why is Arlington putting crosswalks in the MIDDLE of roads (where there are no traffic/stop signs)?

[Anonymous]

For example, Wilson has crosswalk in the MIDDLE of the road--idiot pedestrians think that they can just step in front of on-coming traffic whenever they want even though there are no stop signs or traffic lights requiring the cars to stop. Somehow the concept of "right of way" is getting taken too far...A pedestrian still needs to wait for the road to be clear before crossing; it's only if you're already in the crosswalk that a vehicle needs to yield.

[Anonymous]

Nope. If there's a pedestrian the driver must yeld.

That area is very populated and the more crosswalks the better. Drivers MUST learn to slow down. I've had drivers cursing at me and demanding me to hurry up while crossing FFX dr by the library. This is unacceptable!

[Anonymous]

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+46.2-924

§ 46.2-924. Drivers to stop for pedestrians; installation of certain signs; penalty.

A. The driver of any vehicle on a highway shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian crossing such highway:

1. At any clearly marked crosswalk, whether at mid-block or at the end of any block;

2. At any regular pedestrian crossing included in the prolongation of the lateral boundary lines of the adjacent sidewalk at the end of a block;

3. At any intersection when the driver is approaching on a highway or street where the legal maximum speed does not exceed 35 miles per hour.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A of this section, at intersections or crosswalks where the movement of traffic is being regulated by law-enforcement officers or traffic control devices, the driver shall yield according to the direction of the law-enforcement officer or device.

No pedestrian shall enter or cross an intersection in disregard of approaching traffic.

The drivers of vehicles entering, crossing, or turning at intersections shall change their course, slow down, or stop if necessary to permit pedestrians to cross such intersections safely and expeditiously.

Pedestrians crossing highways at intersections shall at all times have the right-of-way over vehicles making turns into the highways being crossed by the pedestrians.

C. The governing body of Arlington County, Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, the County of Loudoun and any town therein, and the City of Alexandria, may by ordinance provide for the installation and maintenance of highway signs at marked crosswalks specifically requiring operators of motor vehicles, at the locations where such signs are installed, to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing or attempting to cross the highway. Any operator of a motor vehicle who fails at such locations to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians as required by such signs shall be guilty of a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of no less than $100 or more than $500. The Commonwealth Transportation Board shall develop criteria for the design, location, and installation of such signs. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any limited access highway.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For example, Wilson has crosswalk in the MIDDLE of the road--idiot pedestrians think that they can just step in front of on-coming traffic whenever they want even though there are no stop signs or traffic lights requiring the cars to stop. Somehow the concept of "right of way" is getting taken too far...A pedestrian still needs to wait for the road to be clear before crossing; it's only if you're already in the crosswalk that a vehicle needs to yield.

If there is a crosswalk and no light, it is the driver's responsibility to yield to the pedestrian. Yes, pedestrians should use some judgment because "right of way" does not equal "guaranteed survival". But it is the driver's responsibility.

And the reason for these crosswalks is because there are certain places which have so much pedestrian traffic that the county either puts up one of these, puts up a stop light, or faces hazards created by jaywalkers. So the city is solving the pedestrian need without putting up a stoplight, in deference to you, the driver. So go along or face another light cycle.

[Anonymous]

Meant county.

[Anonymous]

If you mean the one in Ballston, it's been there forever. Ballston is very urban. If you are looking for a straight shot at 40 mph, please go around it (that's what I do)

[Anonymous]

I think these crosswalks are so dangerous for the driver who actually stops. I cannot tell you how many times I have actually stopped to yield to a pedestrian as the sign says, and I have gotten honked at by the car behind me, or I feel like the car behind me is going to rear end me because they do not know they need to stop. I know it is the law, but no one follows it and it is dangerous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think these crosswalks are so dangerous for the driver who actually stops. I cannot tell you how many times I have actually stopped to yield to a pedestrian as the sign says, and I have gotten honked at by the car behind me, or I feel like the car behind me is going to rear end me because they do not know they need to stop. I know it is the law, but no one follows it and it is dangerous.

It's not just the crosswalk.

The driver behind you should be slow, keeping a distance and paying attention to the traffic.

There are signs about the crosswalk. There's no excuse for an accident of this type.

[Anonymous]

Actually, traffic wise I think this makes sense. DC traffic is in part, so horrible, because of the cars trying to turn - across the path of pedestrians. Only a fe cars can squuze through each light cycle and it causes such back ups.

They should put a stop sign for cars, a cross wals and/or lighted signal in the middle of MORE roads - and not allow pedestrians to cross at nearby busy intersections.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think these crosswalks are so dangerous for the driver who actually stops. I cannot tell you how many times I have actually stopped to yield to a pedestrian as the sign says, and I have gotten honked at by the car behind me, or I feel like the car behind me is going to rear end me because they do not know they need to stop. I know it is the law, but no one follows it and it is dangerous.

It's not just the crosswalk.

The driver behind you should be slow, keeping a distance and paying attention to the traffic.

There are signs about the crosswalk. There's no excuse for an accident of this type.

I agree there is no excuse, but it still does not mean I don't worry each time I stop that someone is going to rear end me because no one else seems to do it regardless of the signs posted. In Clarendon, etc., it is not as much as an issue because people are generally driving more slowly. But on Washington Blvd or Lee Highway where there are not as many lights and people generally drive 40+ MPH, they are not expecting to suddenly stop if there is no light or stop sign. It has happened to me multiple times and each time I worry I am going to get rear-ended.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: each time I worry I am going to get rear-ended.

How about worrying about the pedestrians? I expect you'll be OK, even if your car isn't.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: each time I worry I am going to get rear-ended.

How about worrying about the pedestrians? I expect you'll be OK, even if your car isn't.

It sounds to me like she is worrying about the pedestrians as well as her own safety. They're not mutually exclusive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: each time I worry I am going to get rear-ended.

How about worrying about the pedestrians? I expect you'll be OK, even if your car isn't.

It sounds to me like she is worrying about the pedestrians as well as her own safety. They're not mutually exclusive.

Yes, I am actually stopping for the pedestrians which is more than 95% of the other drivers are doing. But each time I do it, I worry that the car behind me will not stop. Believe me, I have no problem worrying about multiple things at the same time!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For example, Wilson has crosswalk in the MIDDLE of the road--idiot pedestrians think that they can just step in front of on-coming traffic whenever they want even though there are no stop signs or traffic lights requiring the cars to stop. Somehow the concept of "right of way" is getting taken too far...A pedestrian still needs to wait for the road to be clear before crossing; it's only if you're already in the crosswalk that a vehicle needs to yield.

Great unintentionally ironic post here. Stupid fucking car driver doesn't understand that peds have the right-of-way at a crosswalk, regardless of whether there's a light. The law says that cars need to *STOP* for a pedestrian entering the crosswalk. The pedestrian has the obligation not to step in front of a car that cannot stop in time. See that pedestrian waiting to cross? You're supposed to stop for them. They have the right of way. Clear enough?

Idiot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: each time I worry I am going to get rear-ended.

How about worrying about the pedestrians? I expect you'll be OK, even if your car isn't.

I've always found those who unflinchingly transfer risk to the more vulnerable to be the lowest kind of people.