Be aware that Minnesota law requires you to stop for pedestrians in a marked crosswalk or an intersection with no marked crosswalk, where there are no traffic control signals present.
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 other vehicle.
The law states: “No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.”
It’s unlawful for the driver of a motor vehicle to proceed through a group of school children crossing a street or highway, or past a member of a school safety patrol or adult crossing guard who is directing children across
the roadway and who is holding an official signal in the stop position.
Failure to obey the law is a misdemeanor. A second violation within one year is a gross misdemeanor.
Follow all posted speed limits. In Cook County, per Sheriff Mark Falk, the speed limit between Great Expectations School and beyond School District 166 is 20 mph, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Elderly pedestrians may not be able to cross quickly or hear you approaching. Give older adults plenty of time to cross the street.
Be alert when turning corners. If the car in front of you stops at a corner, be prepared for the possibility of pedestrians crossing.
Pedestrian injuries can be prevented. Take care to be a defensive pedestrian and a pedestrian-alert driver.
Cook County Safe Routes Committee
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