Can you cross the highway in Texas?
Man Trying to Cross Loop 410 Struck and Killed by Vehicle
According to a KSAT News report, a man died after trying to cross the highway last week.
Police reported the accident happened at around 5:45 a.m. October 22nd, on Loop 410 Westbound near Nacogdoches. A man reportedly was attempting to cross the highway when he struck the passenger side of a passing vehicle. The driver stopped and reported the accident to police and did not face any charges. SAFD pronounced the man dead at the scene, and traffic was backed up for several hours as crews investigated the scene. No other injuries were reported, and no other drivers were involved. The investigation is ongoing.
Did You Know?
1% of San Antonio’s roads account for more than 40% of all pedestrian injuries in the city.
Is It Illegal to Walk on the Highway in Texas?
Many people wonder if it’s legal to walk on the highways in Texas.
Most people don’t choose to walk on the highway — usually, walking on the highway is the result of a broken-down vehicle. Whether or not it’s legal to walk along the highway depends on the circumstances, but it is never recommended.
When Can You Walk on the Highway in Texas?
To answer this question, let’s take a look at the Texas Transportation Code – TRANSP § 552.006, which discusses pedestrian right-of-way and similar traffic laws.
According to this code, you cannot walk on the highway unless:
- There is no sidewalk present,
- The sidewalk is obstructed or blocked.
This code also stipulates that if a pedestrian must walk along the highway, they are required to face traffic and walk along the left side of the roadway or the shoulder if a shoulder is present.
When Can You Cross a Highway in Texas?
Pedestrians are allowed to cross the highway at a traffic signal if a crosswalk is present. They may not cross diagonally unless a crosswalk specifically allows them to do so. When crossing a highway with no crosswalk, pedestrians must yield to oncoming vehicles.
Pedestrians may not cross the highway:
- Diagonally across an intersection (unless authorized by traffic controls),
- Between two adjacent signalized intersections (i.e., a traffic light) unless marked by a mid-block crosswalk.
Sometimes, a city ordinance can make crossing a highway illegal under any circumstances. For example, in Austin, it is illegal by city ordinance to cross IH35, State Highway 1, and other highways, even if there is no sidewalk present.
What is Jaywalking?
Jaywalking is a term that refers to when a pedestrian crosses the street illegally. It can mean crossing at a spot where you are not legally permitted to (as detailed above) or crossing against a traffic signal. If you are caught jaywalking, you can be fined up to $200. If you are caught jaywalking on a highway, you may be required to perform community service in addition to a fine.
Injured in a Pedestrian Accident in Texas? Call Shaw.
You can do everything right and still be injured in a pedestrian accident. If you were hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Surgeries,
- Medical Bills,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Trauma/PTSD,
- Missed Work,
- Loss of Earning Capacity,
- Wrongful Death,
- And More.
We’ll help you find out if you have a case for free.
Call Shaw for your pedestrian injury at 800-862-1260 today for immediate assistance. No fees, no obligations, just expert legal advice. Carabin Shaw puts their clients first. We look forward to serving you.