Wednesday, June 16, 2004

Hailey enforces rules to protect pedestrians

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By MATT FURBER
Express Staff Writer

In the city of Hailey’s ongoing battle to provide safer streets for its citizens, the Hailey City Council passed an amendment clarifying "Rules of the Road" for drivers and pedestrians Monday.

The rules apply to drivers as well as pedestrians and include penalties for drivers who do not give way to pedestrians in crosswalks and pedestrians who jaywalk.

Specifically, city attorney Ned Williamson said the amendment makes sure that the municipal code matches Idaho state code and is intended to help promote safe flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic on public right-of-ways.

The code clarifies that pedestrian crosswalks will be marked with lines or "other appropriate marking devices." The latter insertion is intended to accommodate the possibility that lighted crosswalks may be imbedded in city crosswalks in the future.

The code also states that where crosswalks are established, drivers shall yield by slowing down or stopping if necessary to yield to pedestrians crossing the roadway within a crosswalk. The code also warns that pedestrians should not suddenly leave the safety of a curb and walk or run into the path of a vehicle, which might have difficulty stopping in time to avoid a hazardous impact.

The code warns that drivers should not overtake any vehicle that is stopped in the roadway as the driver may be stopped for a pedestrian that is not visible to other drivers. Pedestrians are required to yield to traffic if they cross the roadway at any point other than a recommended crosswalk.

The penalty for violation of the rules of the road is a misdemeanor punishable by a $300 fine or six months in jail.

Mayor Susan McBryant stressed the point of safety at Monday’s city council meeting. She said that the council’s decisions on a number of issues. From the future of Friedman Memorial Airport to how the city looks at city streets and pedestrian traffic, are made primarily with public safety in mind.

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