Brake for
Pedestrians
Watch out for walkers, bikers, and rollers.
Data trends
Pedestrian fatalities in King County increased by 165% over the last decade.
Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) pedestrians are disproportionately impacted by traffic collisions.
Those who ride personal bikes and scooters are much more likely to wear helmets (90%) than those who ride public e-bikes and e-scooters (10%).
The law
Every intersection is legally considered a crosswalk. Drivers must stop for walkers, bikers, and rollers at intersections, whether it’s an unmarked or marked crosswalk. It’s illegal to pass another vehicle stopped for someone at a crosswalk.
The Penalty
Failure to yield for a walker, biker, or roller results in a $250 fine. Failure to yield within a school, playground, or crosswalk speed zone results in a larger fine with half the money going towards the school safety fund.
How You Can Help
Drivers
- Look out for pedestrians
Pay special attention at night and when the weather is poor and it’s harder to see. - Prepare to stop
Slow down when turning or entering a crosswalk, use extra caution when turning right on red. - Yield to pedestrians
Stop for walkers, bikers, and rollers well behind the crosswalk to help other vehicles see them too. Remember all intersections are crosswalks, even if unmarked. - Drive sober and focused
Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Stay off your phone and alert to what’s happening around you. - Slow down
Follow the speed limit, especially in busy areas, school zones, and neighborhoods. Be extra cautious when backing up.
Walkers
- Use a sidewalk/face traffic
If there’s a sidewalk, use it. If not, walk on the left side of the road and face traffic to see oncoming cars and drivers. - Walk safely
Always obey road signs and signals. Don’t run, push, or play near traffic, and put phones and headphones away. - Cross at crosswalks
Always cross at crosswalks or intersections. If there is no crosswalk, cross at a well-lit area with the best traffic view. Look for cars in all directions before crossing. - Beware of driveways and parking lots
Be extra alert for cars entering and exiting these locations. - Dress to be seen
Wear bright or reflective clothing when you can, especially at night.
Bikers / Rollers
- Wear a helmet
Make sure it fits snugly on your head to reduce your risk of serious head injuries. - Be visible
Use headlights, tail lights, and bright or reflective clothing to help drivers see you sooner. - Be predictable
Follow traffic laws and use hand signals to let drivers know where you’re heading. - Stay focused
Don’t let your phone or technology distract from what’s around you.
Campaigns
