Ask a Trooper: What are the rules regarding pedestrians?
Published 9:59 am Thursday, October 20, 2016
Ask a Trooper by Troy Christianson
Troy Christianson is a sergeant with the Minnesota State Patrol.
Question: We have a debate about the pedestrian law in our house. Is a pedestrian standing curbside considered a “crossing pedestrian” if they are giving all indications they are planning to cross? Are motorists required to stop for such a curbside pedestrian if they can do safely?

Troy Christianson
Answer: This is a great time of year to review this law as the days get shorter and the nights longer. The fall months tend to be the deadliest months for pedestrians.
Preliminary figures show that 41 pedestrians have been killed so far this year. In comparison, there were 41 pedestrians killed and 904 injured in 2015 and 17 deaths and 837 injuries in 2014.
Pedestrians must not enter a crosswalk if a vehicle is approaching and it is impossible for the driver to stop. There is no defined distance that a pedestrian must abide by before entering the crosswalk; use common sense. Motorists and pedestrians should always watch out for one another.
• Drivers must stop for crossing pedestrians at marked crosswalks and at all intersections without crosswalks or stop lights. A pedestrian standing curbside — not in the crosswalk or intersection — is not considered a “crossing pedestrian.”
• Pedestrians must obey traffic signs and signals at all intersections.
• Vehicles stopped for pedestrians can proceed once the pedestrian has completely crossed the lane in front of the stopped vehicle.
• When a vehicle is stopped at an intersection to allow pedestrians to cross the roadway, drivers of other vehicles approaching from the rear must not pass the stopped vehicle.
• Read the full statute at https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=169.21
With Halloween right around the corner, it is important to dress your children properly so they are visible to motorists. It is important for kids to carry a flashlight, wear bright-colored costumes or add reflective tape so it is easier to be spotted by motorists. Kids should travel in groups and also have close adult supervision.
You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.
If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol, at 2900 48th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901-5848. Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us.