Pedestrian States Require Stop Eslpod Laws Move Vehicles

Being a pedestrian can be a "dangerous proposition" (something that is difficult, challenging, or dangerous) in many "car-centric" (designed for cars, not for people) cities. However, there are many laws that are designed to protect pedestrians, and many communities are "striving" (trying) to improve their "walkability" (a measure of how easy and safe it is for people to move through a neighborhood by foot, without a car).

All states require that vehicles stop when a pedestrian is in a "controlled" (marked and designated) crosswalk. "Uncontrolled" (not marked) crosswalks are a little more challenging. Some states require that vehicles "yield" (allow to move first) to pedestrians in uncontrolled crosswalks. However, in many states, the vehicle does not have to "come to a full stop" (stop completely), so the pedestrian must hurry out of the way.

What about pedestrians who "jaywalk" (cross in the middle of a street, not at an intersection)? Many states have laws against jaywalking, and pedestrians can be "fined" (forced to pay money as punishment) for crossing in the middle of the street. But some of those states nevertheless require drivers to stop for or yield to pedestrians who are jaywalking.

In addition, many states require that drivers stop if they see an "intoxicated" (under the influence of alcohol) pedestrian. This is because many pedestrian deaths are "alcohol-related" (involving someone who cannot think clearly due to the drinking of alcohol).