Priority of pedestrians
Hello,
In connection with the incorrect interpretation of the titular priority, a few words of explanation. Current regulations state that a pedestrian entering the crossing has priority, not one waiting for it. According to court rulings in this matter, a person entering the crossing is one who has one foot on the crossing and the other on the sidewalk. Consequently, if a pedestrian is completely on the sidewalk, they are considered to be waiting, which makes sense, and it is their duty to ensure that the vehicle can stop and they should refrain from entering the crossing. Of course, we as drivers should protect ourselves and equip ourselves with cameras, as this is the best way to prove our innocence in the event of an incident. It's a pity that there is no education for pedestrians in mainstream media and pedestrians live under the impression that they always have priority, and many articles reinforce this mistake, which is why statistics show that the number of fatal incidents has increased rather than decreased. Of course, as is often the case in Poland, there are court rulings recognizing that a person walking towards the crossing is already entering it. Personally, I believe that in order to actually improve pedestrian safety, the regulations should be changed to refer to those approaching the crossing or create zones where a pedestrian entering would gain such priority. Such a solution would provide clarity. The current regulations allow for too many interpretations. On the other hand, pedestrians are not penalized for improper assessment and lack of special caution; instead, the blame is often shifted to the driver, EVEN THOUGH THE PEDESTRIAN HAS A GREATER RISK OF INJURY. Personally, I suggest that learners stop when they see a pedestrian confidently heading towards the crossing. AND HOW DO YOU PROCEED?
Content of Article 13 of the Road Traffic Law before June 1, 2021:
A pedestrian, crossing the roadway or track, is obliged to exercise special caution and, subject to paragraphs 2 and 3, use the pedestrian crossing. A pedestrian on this crossing has priority over the vehicle.
Current content of Article 13 of the Road Traffic Law:
A pedestrian entering the roadway, bicycle path, or track, or crossing these parts of the road is obliged to exercise special caution and use the pedestrian crossing. (…) A pedestrian on the pedestrian crossing has priority over the vehicle. A pedestrian entering the pedestrian crossing has priority over the vehicle, excluding trams.
Hello,
In connection with the incorrect interpretation of the titular priority, a few words of explanation. Current regulations state that a pedestrian entering the crossing has priority, not one waiting for it. According to court rulings in this matter, a person entering the crossing is one who has one foot on the crossing and the other on the sidewalk. Consequently, if a pedestrian is completely on the sidewalk, they are considered to be waiting, which makes sense, and it is their duty to ensure that the vehicle can stop and they should refrain from entering the crossing. Of course, we as drivers should protect ourselves and equip ourselves with cameras, as this is the best way to prove our innocence in the event of an incident. It's a pity that there is no education for pedestrians in mainstream media and pedestrians live under the impression that they always have priority, and many articles reinforce this mistake, which is why statistics show that the number of fatal incidents has increased rather than decreased. Of course, as is often the case in Poland, there are court rulings recognizing that a person walking towards the crossing is already entering it. Personally, I believe that in order to actually improve pedestrian safety, the regulations should be changed to refer to those approaching the crossing or create zones where a pedestrian entering would gain such priority. Such a solution would provide clarity. The current regulations allow for too many interpretations. On the other hand, pedestrians are not penalized for improper assessment and lack of special caution; instead, the blame is often shifted to the driver, EVEN THOUGH THE PEDESTRIAN HAS A GREATER RISK OF INJURY. Personally, I suggest that learners stop when they see a pedestrian confidently heading towards the crossing. AND HOW DO YOU PROCEED?
Content of Article 13 of the Road Traffic Law before June 1, 2021:
A pedestrian, crossing the roadway or track, is obliged to exercise special caution and, subject to paragraphs 2 and 3, use the pedestrian crossing. A pedestrian on this crossing has priority over the vehicle.
Current content of Article 13 of the Road Traffic Law:
A pedestrian entering the roadway, bicycle path, or track, or crossing these parts of the road is obliged to exercise special caution and use the pedestrian crossing. (…) A pedestrian on the pedestrian crossing has priority over the vehicle. A pedestrian entering the pedestrian crossing has priority over the vehicle, excluding trams.
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