Florida Driver's Handbook
Chapter 5: Driving Safety

5.16. Pedestrians

It is the motorist's responsibility to do everything possible to avoid colliding with pedestrians. Bicyclists, skaters and skateboarders in a crosswalk or driveway are considered pedestrians. Turning motorists must stop for pedestrians at intersections and driveways, even when the crosswalk is not marked, as these are also legal crosswalks. Motorists must stop or yield as appropriate for pedestrians crossing the street or driveway at any marked mid-block crossing, driveway or intersection without traffic signals.

5.16.1 - Safety Rules for Pedestrians

  1. Look to the left, right and left for traffic before stepping off any curb.
  2. Crosswalks at intersections may be marked or unmarked. Crossing is preferred at intersections or designated crosswalks in the middle of a block. However, pedestrians may cross at other locations if not between adjacent signalized intersections but are required to yield to other traffic.
  3. Cross with the green light, "WALK" or "walking man" symbol. Make sure you have enough time to cross. Many locations in Florida have "count-down" pedestrian signals. These indicate the time remaining for the crossing.
  4. While walking along a highway, always walk on the shoulder on the left side, facing traffic. Wear reflective and light colored clothing or use a flashlight to make you more visible to drivers at night.
pedestrians

5.16.2 - Persons Who are Blind

The primary traveling aids for a person who is blind are often a white cane or a trained guide dog. Independent travel involves some risk that can be greatly reduced when you, the driver, are aware of the use and meaning of a white cane or guide dog.

Drivers must always yield the right-of-way to persons who are blind. When a pedestrian is crossing a street or highway guided by a dog or carrying a white cane (or a white cane with a red tip), vehicles must come to a complete stop.

5.16.3 - Mobility-Impaired Persons

Drivers must yield the right-of-way to mobility-impaired persons and pedestrians utilizing the assistance of a guide dog or service animal. When a pedestrian is crossing a public street or highway and the pedestrian is using a walker, a crutch, or an orthopedic cane or wheelchair, vehicles must come to a complete stop.

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