ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions about the rules of the road every week, helping Orlando-area residents become better drivers by being better educated.
Shane asks, “If a car is stopped in the middle of the crosswalk, do I have permission to walk over the car? Their presence causes me to move out of the sidewalk.”
Though Trooper Steve acknowledges that cars parked or stopped in crosswalks are a common nuisance, the answer is simple. Don’t do it.
“The idea of walking over a car that’s blocking a crosswalk might seem tempting, especially if you’ve seen videos circulating on social media showing pedestrians stepping over vehicles in humorous displays of frustration. However, the answer to this question is a clear no — pedestrians should never walk on someone’s car, even if it is obstructing the crosswalk,” he said.
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As Trooper Steve points out, drivers blocking a crosswalk are already in violation of traffic laws, so just leave them be and let the authorities handle it.
“Their actions can endanger pedestrians and contribute to unsafe walking conditions, but despite the inconvenience, pedestrians should avoid taking actions that escalate the situation, such as walking on top of the vehicle,” he said.
Instead, Trooper Steve says the safest and most appropriate response is to walk behind the car. Walking in front of the car may put you at risk, especially if the driver isn’t paying attention or suddenly decides to move forward. Walking behind the vehicle ensures that you’re in the driver’s line of sight and keeps you in a safer position.
“While the driver is already in the wrong, adding to the problem with reckless behavior like walking over their car can only increase the potential for conflict or damage,” he said. “Although social media often amplifies the humor of people ‘taking matters into their own hands,’ it’s important to remember that these actions can have real-life consequences. Stepping on someone’s car, no matter how frustrated you may be, is an act of vandalism. It could lead to legal trouble, damage the vehicle, and possibly even escalate into a dangerous confrontation.”
If you have a traffic question for Trooper Steve, submit it here.
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