Pedestrian vs. Motor Vehicle

There is an inherent danger when motor vehicles and pedestrians are sharing the same space. Under the Highway Traffic Act, at s. 144, the responsibilities of pedestrians and drivers are set out in an attempt to make these shared spaces safer for all involved.

It would surprise no one to learn that vehicles and pedestrians are required and expected to follow a set of rules to avoid accidents and injuries. These rules include pedestrians obeying crossing lights, using designated crosswalks and using sidewalks which are taught to us at a young age to avoid dangerous situations. Likewise, drivers are also required to obey traffic signals and yield the right of way to pedestrians. If a driver wants to make a legal left or right hand turn at an intersection they must be mindful and yield to any pedestrians that are crossing at that intersection legally. In all instances where both a pedestrian and a vehicle are legally allowed to share the same space the vehicle must