Crossing a stop-controlled intersection?

Question

I have to walk to school soon. There is an intersection (only stop signs, no lights) in my route, and I have no idea how to cross it. How would I go about doing so?

Also, I walk on the left side of the road, where I can see cars coming ahead and can run in case one goes off the road. However, I read that pedestrians are supposed to walk along the right side of the road. Am I wrong for walking on the left side then?

Answer 1

It is correct to say that walking (or bicycle riding, for that matter) should be done with the flow of traffic.

I would be careful of the pedestrian has the right of way mentality. Most vehicle codes are different from state to state, and you may be living in one that does not afford the right of way to pedestrians.

Contact your nearest DMV (department of motor vehicles, or the equivalent) to make sure. Even with the right of way, use common sense.

Answer 2

Cross the stop signs so that you are going straight across the roads (as opposed to diagonally across the entire intersection). You are a pedestrian so you always have the right of way. Cars have to stop to let you cross.

Technically you are supposed to walk with the flow of traffic however you will not get in trouble for walking against it. Personally, I would much rather see the cars coming anyways in case one of them weaves off the road. If they are behind you, you wouldn't know until you were splattered all over their front end.

Answer 3

Pedestrians are always supposed to walk facing traffic. You have the right-of-way at the intersection. But stop to make sure the cars coming stop also. Better safe than eating pavement.

Answer 4

Given the stupidity of any given driver, walking to school may prove hazardous to your health. General laws are walk facing traffic, look both ways before crossing, and be prepared to run, because in my experience as a trucker, NO ONE can see farther than about 3 feet past their hood and nowhere beside or behind them. Good luck!