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State Enacts Stiffer Crosswalk Penalties

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By Carl  Orth | The Suncoast News

Published: May 31, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - Pedestrians trying to cross busy West Pasco streets in the past often found themselves making a mad dash and dodging cars.

New safeguards will encourage pedestrians to walk, not run, in designated crosswalks. Come July 1, drivers face stiffer penalties for not yielding to them.

Gov. Charlie Crist signed into law the legislation sponsored by state Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey.

County traffic managers approached Fasano to try to do something about the high rate of pedestrian fatalities in Florida, according to Greg Giordano, the senator's chief legislative assistant.

Florida was second only to California in the number of deaths of people trying to walk across roads, Giordano explained. The state logged 566 pedestrian deaths in 2005, the latest statistics available.

The law will apply only to crosswalks marked with wide, white stripes across intersections. Some examples in West Pasco include the crosswalk at Main and Adams streets in New Port Richey near restaurants and shops, or New Port Richey City Hall on Main near Madison. A few crosswalks have advisory signs posted in the middle of the street to remind drivers to watch out and to stop for pedestrians.

Jaywalkers will continue to cross busy roads at their own risk.

Pinellas County Commissioner Karen Seel had been among local leaders raising concerns for pedestrian safety, Giordano reported. Sections of U.S. 19 in the Palm Harbor area and elsewhere in Pinellas County are also notorious for frequent vehicle-versus-pedestrian fatalities.

The bill clarifies the requirement for drivers to stop before entering a crosswalk when a pedestrian has entered a crosswalk at a signal, or where signs indicate pedestrians enjoy the right of way. Drivers must remain stopped to allow the pedestrian to cross the roadway.

Violations will be a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation for the driver. The fine typically will be $60 plus court costs. A violation will count as three points assessed on the driver's license.

"Pedestrians who legally enter a crosswalk should be able to do so without the fear of being injured by motorists who do not follow the law," Fasano said. He hopes the new law "will be enough of a deterrent to drivers that they will pay greater attention to those who lawfully use crosswalks."

Carl Orth can be reached at 727-815-1068 or corth@suncoastnews.com.

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